A minibus driver accused of firing a gun at a man with intent was yesterday remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
It was alleged that on September 14, 2011, Chris Balkaran, with intent, discharged a loaded firearm at Victor Duncan.
The prosecution stated that Duncan went to a shop to buy a drink and the accused was also there and the two of them had an exchange of words.
Sometime later, Balkaran allegedly approached Duncan with a gun and shot him in his left upper thigh. Duncan was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and upon his discharge he made a report, which led to Balkaran’s arrest.
Balkaran was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 or like surety by the magistrate but she was immediately informed after he had left the courtroom that he was in another court answering another matter and this raised some questions.
The defendant’s attorney had earlier said that he knew of no other court matters against his client.
The magistrate then sent for the accused upon hearing also that he was once before former magistrate Gordon Gilhuys and when placed on bail he had failed to return to court. As a result, the bail order was subsequently rescinded by the magistrate.
Balkaran is due to return to court on March 20.
