By ONIKA JAMES Saturday, September 6 2008

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Sgt Neil Warner-Paul...

Murder accused Police Sgt Neil Warner-Paul is due to receive a medical examination by the prisons doctor today.

While prisons officials confirmed yesterday that this was not uncommon for new inmates, an urgent appointment was made for Warner-Paul following concerns that he may be showing signs of depression.

It remains unclear what time he will be physically examined, but his attorneys and prisons officials have confirmed that the prisons doctor will see him today following which a medical report will be handed in.

Warner-Paul, 48, was charged with the murder of pastor Brian Pierre earlier this week.

It is alleged that he shot and killed Pierre on Sunday August 31, at La Chance Trace, at Malabar Arima.

Warner-Paul appeared before an Arima magistrate on Wednesday, in full glare of the public. .

Following the short proceedings in the first Court, the fallen officer was taken away to the Remand Yard Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca. Newsday learnt yesterday, that he is now being housed in the Maximum Security Prison under special guard.

Prisons’ Commissioner John Rougier did not disclose much about Warner-Paul’s accommodation.

However he told Newsday, “the inmate was like any other; he is being monitored. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure his safety. He is being given the necessary medical and physical care, and is scheduled to see the prison doctor on Saturday (today). Like all other inmates he would find it hard to adjust to prisons life, and is being monitored because this could be a very depressing and stressful time for him.”

The information was consistent with Warner-Paul’s demeanor when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Judy Gordon on Wednesday morning. The officer was unshaven and appeared dazed and aged.

When contacted yesterday, President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Emrol Bruce confirmed that some of his “members paid Warner-Paul a visit yesterday.”

“Neil is more than a colleague; he is a friend, he is my friend, and yes some of us did pay him a visit. In fact we would continue to visit him every chance we get.”

Bruce also said, he has contacted a psychologist and made appointments for his staff.

“They are clearly shaken up by the entire incident. I have made arrangements for counselling for my staff members. We all miss him, and we are trying hard right now to rise from the ashes.” Warner-Paul’s legal team of Israel Khan SC, and Ulric Skerritt visited him yesterday. Skerritt told Newsday, “My client is doing much better. He is at the maximum security prison now sharing a cell with five other inmates. The inmates are accused persons who were once attached to the protective services or are still attached to the services.