Tommy Lee Sparta’s team wants prison staff off active duty

Attorney-at-law Donahue Martin has expressed concern at and called for a meticulous investigation into an incident at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre that led to the hospitalisation of his client, Tommy Lee Sparta, given name Leroy Russell.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) stated that an inmate, who has since been identified as the dancehall entertainer, refused to re-enter his cell following the distribution of breakfast and had hurled his breakfast at a staff officer in retaliation. This led to an altercation resulting in injuries.

"We have noted with great concern, an incident involving our client Leroy Russell," Martin said, adding that "we expect a thorough and swift investigation into the matter." He articulated that the artiste's legal team and management were exploring all the options to ensure justice is served.

"We are working together as a team and we are calling on the Department of Correctional Services to launch an internal investigation into the matter," he told THE STAR. He added that pending the outcome of the investigative process "we ask that they immediately pull the officers involved from active duty."

Monique Pryce, the DCS' director of corporate communication and public relations, could not confirm if any "internal investigations" had been launched but explained that "investigations into the incident have commenced".

"However, I am just being notified of that note of his team being referenced," she said. Pryce added "No one has indicated they have received same," speaking to any direct request made by Tommy Lee Sparta's team to the correctional services. "I will have to make the necessary checks where that is concerned before I can say anything official on it," she said.

Since the incident on Monday, a video has been circulating on social media showing an alleged altercation between several prison warders and an inmate. It is reported that upon arrival to the Kingston Public Hospital, Tommy Lee Sparta appeared barely conscious with a swollen facial structure. Cuts and bruises were visible.

The Independent Commission of Investigations said that a probe has been launched into the extent of the injuries received by both individuals based on the collection of medical entries as well as the number of persons involved in the altercation following the report received from DCS.

Up to press time, no updates had been received from the artiste's legal or management team regarding his condition and if he remained hospitalised.