An investigation into whether or not a prisoner was at a Devonshire nightclub last Thursday night is continuing, a top Prisons official said yesterday.

The Royal Gazette has learned that the prisoner at the centre of the investigation is Damion Wayne Smith, jailed in 1996 for 12 years for the 1994 manslaughter of Reginald Chesterfield Wilson.

Prison officials are investigating allegations that Smith, 29, was seen at the Anchorage Nightclub at a reggae "session'' on North Shore Road.

Smith, 29, is believed to have been moved to the medium security Prison Farm in St. George's in preparation for parole when the incident is alleged to have occurred.

Prison Commissioner Edward Dyer said yesterday: "The investigation is still ongoing. I have no additional information.'' Mr. Dyer would only confirm that Smith is "in custody'' when asked if he was at the Prison Farm or at the maximum security Westgate Correctional Facility.

On Monday, Mr. Dyer said: "I'm still asking the same kinds of questions that you are. I have no confirmation of it. If he was out and we get some validation we will get disciplinary procedures into play. We've got the proper people investigating the alleged incident.'' Smith pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he was originally charged with murder. Two other men were given seven and two year sentences for the crime.

Mr. Wilson's hacked and beaten body was found in water off North Shore on February 22, 1994. The attack occurred on February 14.

A $10,000 reward had to be offered before Police got a tip on who did the crime.

Smith has been in custody, either on remand awaiting trial or in prison since September 1994. His time in custody was included in his sentence.

MURDER MUR