Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

A man whose right leg was amputated after he was shot by the police has been awarded more than $6 million in damages.

Justice Leighton Pusey made the award yesterday to Owen McKenzie, 46, chef, of a Kingston address, who had sued the Government.

The judge, after hearing evidence in the Supreme Court, said he did not believe the policeman who was called as a witness for the defendant.

McKenzie was arrested and charged after he was shot by the police in June 1999. He was charged with illegal possession of firearm and shooting with intent. When McKenzie was taken to court, the Crown offered no evidence against him and he was freed.

Exchange of fire

The police had reported that they were in Jones Town on June 6, 1999, when a group of men fired at them and they returned the fire. They later found McKenzie suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg. He was taken to hospital where the leg was subsequently amputated.

McKenzie said he was not involved in any shooting incident with the police. He said he was standing with some men when he was shot in the foot.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com