EIGHTEEN-year-old Nigel Norville of Lot 168 Duncan Street, Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown, yesterday pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to robbery under arms, and firearm and ammunition possession charges.

According to Police Prosecutor, Michael Grant, on April 29 at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Norville was armed with a gun, which he used to rob Marcel Fitzaben of one gold chain valued at $150,000.

On the same day, at Festival City, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at Michael Fitzaben.

Moreover, on the day in question, Norville had in his possession one .9 mm pistol with five matching live rounds of ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm license.

The prosecutor explained that Fitzaben was wearing his chain and walking along Festival City when he was approached by the defendant, who pulled out a gun and demanded that he hand over the article. Fitzaben refused, and a scuffle ensued between him and Norville, who then discharged three rounds at Fitzaben, which fortunately did not hit him.

Norville was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Adrian Thompson who, in a bail application, told the court that his client is alleging that the police are trying to frame him with the offence.

Thompson also said that his client complained about being brutalized by the police, and that he has visible wounds to substantiate his allegation.

Thompson, moreover, said he was instructed that the police had found nothing in the possession of his client. He said further that his client has an unblemished record and is ready to lodge his passport.

The prosecutor opposed bail on grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, and also because of its nature and gravity.

The objection was upheld, and the case was put off to May 23.

(By Geeta Rampersaud)