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Still No Resolution in Dean Dawson Knockdown
posted (December 20, 2016)
It's been over 8 months since Dorian Pakeman knocked down and killed Gardenia resident Dean Dawson Sr. But, police haven't been able to decide whether they should bring criminal charges against the Government Press Office Director, who's currently on unpaid leave, or if he should go free.

Pakeman has been unable to report to work because the Prime Minister, to whom he answers directly, is waiting for DPP's office to decide. On the other side is the victim's family and friends have also been forced to wait for what they believe is a just outcome. And so today, we asked Rural police if they're any closer to arriving at a decision. Assistant Police Commissioner Edward Broaster told us that the DPP has the case file, and she has given them certain directives:

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"As far as what I was briefed, I think it was last week we got the file back from the DPP and there were two directives that were not complied with and as soon as those directives are complied with, that matter will be dealt with."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Sir, is it....?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"I think it has something to do with reports from the forensic lab. As soon as those are completed, action will be taken in regards to that matter."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Sir is it a concern of yours that this case has taken so long to get to this point and you worry that this might cause people to doubt your leadership?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"I am not worried about the length of time. I have concern of the length of time yes, but given the fact that I have first-hand knowledge of what is happening with the file, I have full confidence in the guidance of the Director of Public Prosecution in this matter. I don't think anybody will doubt my integrity when it comes to that issue."

Reporter
"Are you confident that this will come to a resolution?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Yes it will. Like I said, as soon as those two directives are complied with, then we will be briefing the media as to exactly what will be happening when the DPP gives the 'go ahead'."

Reporter
"And how long do you expect it will take for police to comply with those?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"I believe that this week it will be dealt with."

But, as we told you, there is the apparent tampering of the blood sample for Dean Dawson which remains unresolved. This sample was taken to determine if he was under the influence when he was knocked down. Someone contaminated with alcohol, presumably to trigger a positive test. Then, there is the positive cocaine result for Pakeman's own toxicology test, which was buried away, almost as if to hide it the DPP's Office, and the public. The officer who failed to deliver it is currently facing a police tribunal, which has been having its own delays. Broaster revealed that the hearings haven't started yet because the accused officer has requested another adjudicator, just in case there is any bias against her:

Reporter
"The other part of the investigation with the National Forensic Science Service and the investigation that they were supposed to conduct as to what may have happened with the tampering of the sample, you don't know if that has concluded?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"No, I'm not privy to that investigation, but what I can say is the fact that the officer who was directed to take the certificate to the Director of Public Prosecution, the initial trial had commenced and there was a request to change the adjudicator. That request was granted and the new adjudicator is coming in Thursday to start the trial."

Reporter
"From out district?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Yes."

Reporter
"And any idea why that would happen in the case? Why such a request would have been made?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Because the officer believes that the adjudicator and myself may have communicated in some form to prejudice or for a fair trial."

Reporter
"How long normally does such an intake in process?"

ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"It depends on what action. Normally it can happen within a 21-day span. In this instance it requested a change or adjudicator and all those stuff."

Broaster assures that a final decision on whether or not to bring criminal charges against Pakeman should come shortly. Pakeman has maintained that the test is bogus because he never used cocaine, and because he never gave a blood test.

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