A SECURITY officer of Vryheid’s Lust was on Monday remanded to prison for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm at a woman. Edward Hubert McAlmont appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied the allegation, which stated that on Friday, June 5, 2015, he discharged a loaded firearm at Amrita Grant with intent to maim, disable or disfigure her.
It was further alleged that on the same day, the 35-year-old McAlmont at East La Penitence, had a Luger Tech Submachine gun in his possession, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He denied that charge also.
According to the prosecution, on the day in question the police were on patrol in the area when they heard gunshots. As a result, the police proceeded in the direction of the shots and when they arrived at the scene, they were told by the victim that the defendant had fired a gun at her.
When McAlmont saw the police, he attempted to escape, jumping a fence in the process. He was however eventually caught and the firearm was found in a septic tank.
McAlmont’s lawyer, Mr. Adrian Thompson, in his bail application told the court that his client knows nothing about the gun. He contended that the gun was never found in the defendant’s possession.
The lawyer then detailed to the court a different version of the incident. Thompson told the court that Grant was being assaulted by her boyfriend and his client went to her rescue. The lawyer claimed that McAlmont had no reason to fire a gun at the woman, since he is a man and could have easily beaten her. He asserted that the police have no evidence against his client, noting that the only item linking his client to the allegation is a statement given by the victim.
Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned until Tuesday, June 23, 2015 for statements.