A Linden man was yesterday released on bail when he appeared in a city court accused of discharging a loaded firearm.
Sheldon Joseph, 36, of Sunflower Street, Wismar, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.
It is alleged that Joseph, between November 1 and November 31, 2014, discharged a loaded firearm at Quincy David.
Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that a gun was used.
Mangru, when questioned by the magistrate about why the defendant was being charged so long after the date on which the offence was committed, said the police could not find the man.
But attorney Denise Hodge, who represented Joseph, disputed the prosecutor’s claim, while she made an application for reasonable bail to be granted for her client.
The attorney said Joseph made numerous visits to the police station prior to his arrest on another matter and no allegation was put to him.
Hodge said Joseph has no pending matters before the court nor was he previously convicted.
The prosecution’s objection was overruled and Joseph was granted $200,000 bail.
He will again appear in court on April 28, when the case will be heard at the Linden Magistrate’s Court
