Zavia Mayne, state minister in Ministry of National Security, believes “reasonable force” was used by Department of Correctional Services (DCS) personnel on Tommy Lee Sparta during the recent altercation that left the dancehall entertainer injured.

Mayne, speaking after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DCS and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) on Wednesday (February 23), further disclosed that there was no reason to remove any of the alleged officials involved from front-line duty.

The deejay, born Leroy Russell Junior, was transported to the Kingston Public Hospital for treatment, where he remains under police guard.

“Based on the preliminary report, Mr Russell became aggressive and in keeping with their training, the officers used reasonable force to restrain [him],” Mayne told journalists in Kingston.

“As I’ve indicated, this is the subject of investigation but I have a report [and] based on the report we have received, we were not of the view that the circumstances of the incident necessitated a removal of the officer from front-line duties,” he said.

The preliminary report publicised by the DCS after news broke of Russell’s hospitalisation in Kingston, claimed that the St James native was injured after “hurling breakfast” into the face of the acting superintendent on duty.

According to the DCS statement, Tommy Lee Sparta was ordered to go back to his cell at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre following the rationing of morning meals—a request the deejay repeatedly refused.

When questioned by media about the alleged smartphone recordings of the incident which went viral on social media, Mayne seemed to suggest yesterday that the ‘evidence’ would be inadmissible due to the recent passage of the Corrections (Amendment) Act in December 2021.

“The law is now in effect that makes it an offence for an inmate to be in possession of an electronic communication device. So, we at the DCS have been operationalising this new bit of legislation and once persons are found in possession, certainly we intend for them to be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Mayne argued.

“Not only just inmate but [for] correctional officers who may believe that is it appropriate for them to aid and abet the passing and possession of these devices, they too will be dealt [wit] in accordance with the laws,” the junior minister added.

WATCH:

A day after his hospitalisation, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) announced the opening of a probe into Russell’s fracas, which the agency said would include interviewing him and witnesses at the downtown Kingston prison as well as a collection of medical reports.

• READ: INDECOM launches probe into DCS altercation that leaves Tommy Lee Sparta hospitalised