–over discharge of firearm

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD labourer Shawn Barrow of Lot 8 East Lapenitence, Georgetown, charged with discharging a firearm was placed on $125,000 bail yesterday by Magistrate Faith McGusty. 

He pleaded not guilty to the offence that said on Friday, February 7 at East LaPenitence, Georgetown, in a public place, he discharged a firearm.
Police Corporal Seon Blackman, prosecuting, said on the day in question the defendant discharged the weapon over a female’s head with intent. The prosecutor objected to the pretrial liberty of the defendant, pointing out to the court that after committing the offence, he was on the run. Corporal Blackman also said that ranks made several checks at the defendant’s residence and he was never there. He added that if granted bail Barrow may not return for his trial since he was only apprehended by the police on Friday last at Mandela Avenue, also in Georgetown.
The prosecutor further objected to the granting of bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts as well as the likelihood that he may tamper with the witnesses.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Patrice Henry representing the defendant requested reasonable bail. He said that the prosecution’s facts were inconsistent since his client is being charged with discharging a loaded firearm in a public place, but the prosecutor was also claiming that his client discharged the weapon with intent.
The bail objection was overruled and the case was put off to April 7 to be heard before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

(By Geeta Rampersaud)