Former Special Operations Response Team head Insp of Police Mark Hernandez was cleared of a charge of misbehaviour in public office after a High Court master ruled on July 28 that there was not enough evidence to sustain the allegations against him.

Hernandez had been accused of allowing the unlawful beating of David Ottley Jr, which caused bodily harm. Master Adia Mohammed dismissed the case.

He was represented by Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson, John Heath and attorney Gerald Ramdeen, all of whom he praised for their representation. He also thanked attorney Jagdeo Singh who was also part of his legal team but had to step away after being elected House Speaker in April.