Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said while its disappointed with the sentences handed down by the court to the police officers convicted in relation to the death of Mario Deane, it hopes that this will serve as a catalyst for a reform of the country’s justice and penal systems.

On Tuesday, the Westmoreland Circuit Court sentenced three police officers who were facing the court in relation to the 2014 death of 31-year-old Mario Deane.

Corporal Elaine Stewart was sentenced to five years for manslaughter, one year for misconduct in a public office, and one year for perverting the course of justice to be served concurrently. She was granted bail, pending appeal.

While, District Constables Marlon Grant and Juliana Clevon got three years for manslaughter and one year for misconduct, with the manslaughter sentence being suspended for three years, and the misconduct sentence suspended for two years.

This means that the sentences are not served in prison, unless further offences are committed during the suspension periods.

Deane’s mother Mercia Fraser expressed disappointment with the sentences, and also indicated that she will be suing the government next.

JFJ Executive Director Mickel Jackson said the lobby group welcomed the historic convictions.

She said she was expecting tougher penalties, given the gravity of the matter.

Ms. Jackson said these lenient outcomes risk reinforcing a culture of impunity, as well as potentially undermining public trust in the justice system’s commitment to holding state actors accountable.

She expressed hope that this case will deter other public officials from negating their duty of care.