THE future of Regan Rodrigues, also known as ‘Grey Boy’, hinges on the decision of Magistrate Fabayo Azore. It follows the prosecutor’s presentation of closing arguments in the case involving the defendant escaping from lawful custody, and alleged possession of a gun and ammunition.Rodrigues, of Riverview, Ruimveldt was in July charged with possession of a Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of ammunition. He was read an additional charge of escaping the custody of an officer, pending a charge for gun and ammunition possession.
At yesterday’s hearing, police prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru, made his final arguments in this case, telling the court he is satisfied that he had proven beyond reasonable doubt all the elements attached to the offence to convict Rodrigues. He said that with the aid of his witnesses’ testimonies, and the evidence that was presented on the prosecution’s behalf, the prosecution has proven its case.
However, Attorney Adrian Thompson, who is representing the accused, said the prosecution, having the burden of proof, had failed to prove its case against Rodrigues beyond a reasonable doubt.
Further, Thompson questioned the prosecution’s case, which, according to him, did not prove to the court that the defendant was present at the premises when the police had allegedly searched his house and uncovered a firearm and ammunition.
After the back-to-back arguments presented by the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate Azore informed both parties that she would make a ruling in the matter on November 25.
[Crum-Ewing]Rodrigues was, in July, charged with the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was shot execution-style on May 10, 2015 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Rodrigues is currently on remand, awaiting the commencement of this trial.
The weapon was reportedly found by police when they conducted a search of Rodrigues’ Riverview, Ruimveldt home. He had fled during the search, but had given himself up to the police a day later. Ballistics tests later carried out on the weapon allegedly confirmed that it had been used in Crum-Ewing’s killing. (Clestine Juan)
