And while Richard Flores’s mother says police have the wrong man, Police Commissioner Gerald Westby says he is confident that the evidence is strong. But what about the allegation that Richard Flores’s attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley made to 7NEWS? He claims police put a plastic bag put over his client’s head and beat him with batons. Well, today Commissioner Westby denied that allegation. Westby says that at the time Richard Flores gave his statement he was in the presence of a Justice of the Peace. And more than that, Commissioner Westby says Richard Flores was charged following consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lyn Branker Taitt.
Gerald Westby, Commissioner of Police
“There was consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions prior to the charges being laid and I had a meeting with her this morning and she assured me that she is satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to go against Richard Flores. I personally read the statement and is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence. As far as I am aware Jackie there was a Justice of the Peace present when he gave the statement which is a fact because the Justice of the Peace witnessed this statement.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
And to the best of your knowledge you are not aware of any abuse?
Gerald Westby,
“I am not aware of any incidents. I know a Justice of the Peace was present and he witnessed the statement.”
Richard Flores has been charged with thirteen counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of ammunition without a license. Police say further charges of attempted murder may be brought against him.
