Man shot by police stretchered into court
TERRENCE John (no address given) was taken to court on a stretcher, Thursday, to answer charges of discharging a loaded firearm at a police officer and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry had to come off her seat to read the allegations to the visibly injured man, who was fetched by two policemen.
Particulars of one offence said, on December 23, at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, John discharged a loaded gun at Police Corporal Kester Cosbert, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.
It was also alleged that John had a .32 pistol and six live matching rounds without being the holder of licences, but he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, said that on receipt of certain information, ranks went to Agricola, where they saw the defendant standing on the road, acting in a suspicious manner and, when approached, he took out a gun from a bag he had on his shoulder and fired shots in their direction.
The prosecutor said the cops took cover and returned fire at John, hitting him on his left foot and, after he fell, the firearm and ammunition were found in his possession.
Harvey objected to bail, based on the seriousness of the offence, noting that special reasons were required in such cases.
The defendant told the court that the police had shot him wrongfully and are now pinning charges against him. He claimed that he had no gun and will not shoot at any police officer because he has three small children to maintain.
Before the magistrate remanded John to prison, she gave instructions for John to get further medical attention and ordered him to return to court on January 31.