Correctional officer on trial for alleged smuggling of contraband into St Catherine prison

A correctional officer is now before the court facing allegations that he smuggled contraband into the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.

Sean Cowan is charged with introducing prohibited articles into a penal institution, including ganja, cigarettes, wrapping paper and a lighter.

During proceedings in the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday, the Crown’s first witness, Staff Officer Michael Brown, testified that the items were discovered during a security check at the facility.

Brown told Parish Court Judge Courtney Maxwell that about 4:54 p.m. in October 2024, he was on duty at the prison gate when Cowan arrived among a group of security guards for sentry duty.

According to Brown, he used a metal detector to scan Cowan, and the device emitted a sound.

He said he then asked Cowan to reveal what had triggered the alert.

“I asked him to take out what he had inside his pocket and he complied,” Brown testified.

The court heard that the items were handed over to Brown’s superior, after which the police were summoned. Cowan was subsequently arrested and charged.

Cowan’s bail has been extended until May 13, when the trial is set to continue with further testimony from Brown.

- Rasbert Turner

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