David Bernard, one of two men allegedly nabbed with guns and ammunition during a police search in Sophia last week, was remanded to prison yesterday after being read charges related to illegal weapons possession.
While his co-accused, who was shot, reportedly during a confrontation with the police, has since escaped, Bernard, of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, pleaded not guilty when charges of illegal possession of guns and ammunition were read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. It was alleged that he had in his possession a 9mm pistol and a 138 snub-nosed revolver as well as a live round of 9mm ammunition and six live rounds of .38 ammunition on March 6 in Sophia.
His co-accused and friend, Dexroy Brown, yesterday escaped from the hospital. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to Prosecutor Michael Grant, at about 8 pm last Thursday, police ranks were on patrol in ‘B’ Field, Sophia when they saw the defendants approaching on a CG motorcycle. Bernard, Grant said, was riding, while Brown was his passenger.
The men were stopped by the police who conducted a search and discovered the guns along with the ammunition under the vehicle’s seat.
They were both told of the offence by the ranks. However, Brown made an escape bid, during which he was shot by a police officer, according to the prosecutor.
When questioned about any past brushes with the law, Bernard admitted that he had been sentenced to prison for two years for an armed robbery charge in 2007.
Prosecutor Grant objected to bail, citing the nature and gravity of the offences as his reasons. He further added that no special reasons had been given for the consideration of bail.
As a result, Bernard was remanded to prison until March 21, when he will return for reports.
