The Cayman Islands police commander who authorities said was falsely accused of leaking confidential documents and other information to a local newspaper publisher has returned to work.
Deputy Police Commissioner Anthony Ennis |
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Deputy Police Commissioner Anthony Ennis has been on leave for roughly a month. According to court testimony, Mr. Ennis was accused of abusing his position by providing Cayman Net News publisher Desmond Seales confidential RCIPS documents.
Mr. Ennis was alleged to have removed case files in an attempt to interfere with on-going police investigations, and was accused of supplying Mr. Seales details of confidential meetings between the auditor general and the police commissioner regarding on-going investigations into the debt financing of the Turtle Farm/Boatswain’s Beach project.
Investigators said the claims, if true, could have compromised police investigations and even put officers’ lives in danger.
Governor Stuart Jack said on 27 March that all allegations made against Mr. Ennis, and which related to Mr. Seales, were false.
The man now accused of making those allegations, former MLA and ex-Net News journalist Lyndon Martin has been arrested and charged with making false statements, burglary, and doing an act intending to pervert the administration of public justice.
Mr. Martin’s attorney has said his client will plead not guilty to the charges and will choose to face trial in Grand Court.
Mr. Ennis was back on the job Tuesday.
‘While I am still deeply troubled by the egregious and reprehensible acts against me, I have decided that due to the exigent circumstances confronting the RCIPS and the country that I will return to work immediately,’ Mr. Ennis said in a prepared statement released by the department.
‘Since I first became aware of these events, the subsequent period has been extremely painful and difficult for my family and me. However, we have been humbled and are profoundly grateful by the loving support from colleagues, the community and our pastor.’
Mr. Ennis’ statement also voiced strong support for Acting Police Commissioner David George’s ‘professional and energetic approach in leading the organisation.’
Investigators from the UK Metropolitan Police are still in Cayman looking into allegations related to Mr. Martin’s case and other separate matters which have not yet warranted a full-blown investigation.
Three top RCIPS commanders, including Commissioner Stuart Kernohan, Deputy Commissioner Rudi Dixon and Chief Superintendent John Jones have been placed on required leave with full pay. UK Met Chief Superintendent Martin Bridger has previously said none of those three men were considered to be under investigation.
Mr. Bridger said his officers had interviewed Mr. Ennis in the course of their investigation and that he believed Mr. Ennis was a ‘decent man who is totally committed to the police service.’
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