It is alleged that on April 4, Christopher Matthews, 21, Terrence Waldron, 17, and Richard Rodney, 17, were about to commit a felony or were awaiting an opportunity to commit a felony. They pleaded not guilty.
Attorney James Bond represented Matthews, a mechanic who resides at 287 Beverly Close Street, South Ruimveldt, and Rodney, a fifth form student of the Kingston Secondary School, who resides at 270 Beverly Close Street. Attorney Rexford Jackson represented Waldron, 17, a resident of New Amsterdam who was holidaying at 269 Beverly Close Street.
Jackson told the court that Waldron has just graduated from secondary school and has never been charged before. He made an application for reasonable bail. Jackson added that Waldron was not in possession of any dangerous weapon and had no intention of committing any felony. He said that Waldron was sent on an errand to the shop by his aunt when he was picked up by the mobile police and charged for the offence.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford did not object to bail. He said that on the day in question, the three defendants were seen on Aubrey Barker Street acting in a manner that caused the mobile police to become suspicious. Matthews had a bag in his possession and upon seeing the police, they began to run and Matthews dropped the bag. The bag was recovered and a pistol with nine rounds of ammunition was found inside. A receipt from Western Union bearing Matthews’s name was found in the bag, thereby leading to the charges instituted against the defendants.
Matthews was refused bail while Rodney and Waldron were granted $50,000 bail. The matter was transferred to court three for April 23.
Meanwhile Matthews was charged separately with possession of a firearm and ammunition without having a licence. It is alleged that on April 4 he had in his possession a pistol and nine live .22 rounds without being the holder of a licence. He pleaded not guilty.
Bond said that the item was not found in Matthews’ possession. He explained that his client was arrested after the item was found. Accord-ing to Bond, the police arrested Matthews’ friends and beat them, after which they told the police that Matthews was behind everything.
Police Prosecutor Daniels objected to bail and said the facts differed. She said that the defendant was carrying a backpack and upon seeing the police he threw it away and ran. A pistol, ammunition and a receipt were found in the bag.
Bail was refused and the case is to be called again on June 8.
