A policeman was yesterday placed on $250,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with felonious wounding.
It is alleged that Lance Corporal Atlyn Brown of Lot 159 Suraj Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara assaulted Maurice Porter causing actual bodily harm on October 18, 2013.
Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that Brown, as part of the Brickdam Impact Base was on patrol duty when the virtual complainant (VC) stopped the unit.
During a conversation between the two, Brown’s firearm went off and struck Porter in the abdomen with the bullet exiting through his back. The VC was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment.
The matter was then sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The DPP subsequently advised that Brown be charged with felonious wounding.
The defendant pleaded, “Not guilty” and further stated that the firearm went off accidentally and that he and the VC had come to a compromise and there was no need to continue with the case. The VC, being present in court was asked by the magistrate if that was so, to which he stuttered in agreement. The magistrate then declared that she was not aware that such action can be taken and went on to set April 30 as the date for commencement of trial.
The defendant was then placed on bail of $250,000. The prosecution did not object to bail.
Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat subsequently stepped into the court after the defendant had been sent out of the court for processing, inquiring of the matter and saying that he was representing the accused. The magistrate then revealed to him that the outcome was already determined, to which he responded, “Thank you, Your Worship. So the matter was dismissed.” The magistrate responded in the negative, stating the seriousness of the charge.
Fung-A-Fat then argued that his client cannot afford the bail set because he was a mere police officer with a wife and children.
He then asked if his client could pledge a transport, which the magistrate approved, contingent to the transport being valued in excess of twice the value of the bail.
