CHIEF Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry Tuesday refused bail to 22-year-old hinterland labourer, Paul Rose of Lot 468 South Ruimveldt, Georgetown when he appeared in her court accused of shooting his child-mother’s taxi driver to his buttocks with intention to maim, disfigure or disable the man.

Rose pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which said that on April 23, at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at Raul Braithwaite.

Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, said Braithwaite is a part-time taxi driver, and Rose’s child mother would travel in his taxi.

On the day before the incident, the woman requested that Braithwaite drop her to her location; the defendant saw when she came out of the vehicle, and an argument ensued between the two men. On the following day, as Braithwaite was in Festival City eating, the defendant allegedly approached him, pulled out a gun and fired at him, causing Braithwaite to sustain injuries to his buttocks.

The matter was reported to the police.

Prosecutor Mangru opposed bail on the ground that both men are known to each other, and if bail is granted, Rose may tamper with Braithwaite. Mangru also mentioned that Rose had been avoiding the police since the incident had been committed.

Rose was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Peter Hugh, who told the court that Rose is a father of two minor children and has no prior or pending matter. He said that his client could not have been avoiding the police since he was arrested at his home last Friday.

Hugh said his client was not a flight risk and will not tamper with the witness. Moreover, since the allegation incident, nothing else had happened to Braithwaite.

Hugh also said his client was held in custody for a bailable offence, and that he believes the police have something against him, because the man was held in custody since last Friday, and his mother was made aware that he would be placed on bail only this morning. He said the defendant’s mother was also told that her son will be attending the Providence Magistrate’s Court, whereas he was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Hugh said that when the police went to the defendant’s home on Friday, they drew their weapons and his mother had to intervene by placing herself in front of her son.

The prosecutor rebutted this contention by stating that when Rose saw the police, he tried to flee by climbing on the house roof, and he also tried to attack Braithwaite after he had been apprehended, but Braithwaite managed to drive away.
Rose was refused bail, and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman for report and fixtures.

In Magistrate Latchman’s court, Attorney-at-law Peter Hugh again tried to obtain bail for his client by stating that it is unfair that Rose would be kept in custody while the police file is still not completed. He said Rose is willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court as a condition for his being granted bail.

But Prosecutor Joel Ricknauth opposed bail on grounds that are similar to those advanced by Prosecutor Mangru.

Rose will return to court on June 20 for statements.
Written By Geeta Rampersaud