The Ministry of Justice has indicated that an investigation will be launched into the recent video of Clarendon murder accused Rushane Barnett being questioned by four Clarendon Justices of the Peace.

This video highlighted the accused being questioned by four JPs as part of an investigation carried out by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to ascertain if the accused was assaulted by officers.

As such, the Ministry outlined that while Justices of the Peace (JPs) have an obligation to perform voluntary community-based activities which include visits to prisons, activities of engagement including videotaping of events are inappropriate and should be discontinued.

The Ministry also alluded in a release on Monday that if breaches are found there will be dire consequences for the parties involved.

“The matter will be fully investigated under the auspices of the relevant Custos Rotulorum, and if the investigation shows breaches of the Justices of the Peace Act (2018) and any JPs Code of Conduct there will be consequences,” the statement outlined.

“Checking on the wellbeing of accused/detained persons is an appropriate role and duty of specified JPs who form part of a visitation lock-up/prison committee established for Justices of the Peace. Any engagement of activities, however, to include videotaping is most inappropriate, and should not be done.  In addition, it is inappropriate for JPs to be present during a medical examination,” the statement added

Meanwhile, the Custos of St Andrew Ian Forbes has indicated that a meeting will be held with the JPs involved in the video.