A brother and sister were yesterday taken before a city court to answer to charges of firearm, ammunition and narcotics possession.
Abednego and Shavel Bancroft stood before Magistrate Fabayo Azore who read charges which alleged that on March 17, the two, at Block E, South Sophia, had in their possession a 9mm pistol and 3 live matching rounds of ammunition without being licensed firearm holders.
It is further alleged that the duo had in their possession 12 grammes of cannabis.
Abednego, 33 and Shavel 32 both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution’s facts, on March 17, at about 22:30 hrs, the police went to Lot 6, Block E, South Sophia and conducted a search.
It was during the search that a bag containing leaves, seeds and stems was found in a glass on a table. A further search of the home uncovered a firearm and matching ammunition in a clothes basket.
The prosecution then objected to bail being granted for the firearm and ammunition charges, based on the seriousness of the offence, nature of the charge and the penalty it attracts. There was, however, no objection made to bail being granted in relation to the cannabis charge.
Attorney Dexter Todd, who represented both defendants, requested bail for Shavel on all matters. He stated that when the home of the siblings was searched, it was done in the presence of Shavel, while Abednego was restrained. Three rooms were searched, according to the attorney, and it was in the third room, which is not occupied by Shavel, that the firearm and ammunition were discovered.
Todd continually stated that the home is occupied by several persons and that Shavel has no control over what is kept by the various occupants.
Magistrate Azore subsequently granted both defendants $75,000 bail for the narcotics charge, and for the firearm and ammunition charges, Shavel was granted bail of $150,000 for each charge, while her brother, Abednego was remanded.
The matter will be called again on April 12.
