Kelon Noel, the policeman allegedly assaulted by members of the National Democratic Congress in February has admitted that he only told doctors about a bruise on his elbow when he visited the hospital after the incident.
“That was the only part of which the doctor saw, and that was the only part of which I complain”, admitted Noel at a news conference today hosted by the office of the attorney general.
Following further questioning from journalists about injuries reportedly sustained to his groin, Noel said “I never was back for a follow up on my testicles. My testicles were squeezed but not to the point where I would lose one, my testicles are ok”, said the nervous looking young policeman who sat closely beside his Trinidadian attorney Ramesh Maharaj.
Noel who was speaking for the first since the incident on Lucas Street told reporters that he was patrolling the area, when he saw the gathering with NDC officials and decided to record the meeting.
He claimed that he used his initiative in order to gather information on an NDC official.
Contrary to reports by Special Advisor to the Cabinet Hugh Wildman that he identified himself as a police officer, Noel said at no point did he tell the NDC officials he was a police.
“Everything was happening so fast, I did not get a chance to identify myself but after they searched my bag they saw my id,” claimed a jittering looking Noel, glancing at Maharaj from time to time.
“But Mr. Wildman came on TV reading a statement that you were on your way to play cricket, but you are saying you were on patrol, which statement is correct?, one reporter quizzed.
Noel responded: “Was that what he said? At this point Maharaj noted that this was an issue the reporter had to take up with Mr. Wildman. His response was met with a lot of laughter and shouts of disapproval from journalists who were reportedly in shock at the different statements being circulated.
When asked how much his legal fees would cost tax payers, Maharaj said he was yet to make a final decision.
Maharaj has been employed to represent the government in a civil suit brought against nine members of the NDC.
