A former constable based at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) was in court yesterday to answer to a simple larceny charge which alleged that he stole a pistol.
MaCurty Simpson, 23, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with stealing a 32 CZ A3 Browning semi-automatic pistol valued $165,000 property of George Edwards Hanover.
The defendant, who now works as a gold miner, pleaded guilty to the charge that allegedly occurred on September 11, 2015. The court did not accept his plea.
The court heard that the defendant was a constable stationed at the TSU when the incident occurred. On the day in question the complainant, Hanover, who is a licensed firearm holder went to renew his licence at the TSU where the defendant was to assist him with the process.
While assisting Hanover the defendant observed that he did not have his identification card which was a requirement for the renewal of his gun licence. The prosecution added that the defendant had to return to the interior and subsequently left the firearm with the defendant to be lodged at TSU.
According to the prosecution the defendant instead of lodging the weapon kept it in his possession and told the complainant who went to the TSU office for it that it was misplaced.
When given the opportunity to tell his side of the story the defendant gave a lengthy explanation as to what happened with the firearm. The court heard that the weapon was indeed in his possession after it was left by the complainant because the workers at TSU could not have lodged it. The defendant stated that he later gave the weapon to a friend who also works at TSU to keep for him and when he was later arrested he asked the individual to place the weapon in the bag but it was not there.
A not-guilty plea was entered on behalf of the defendant subsequent to his explanation.
Simpson was then granted $200,000 bail by the magistrate who then adjourned the matter to June 2.
