DELLON Henry, 25, infamously known as ‘Nasty Man’, of Houston, East Bank Demerara was yesterday remanded to prison until October 9 when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Fabio Azore charged with the execution-style murder of Dexter Griffith in East Ruimveldt on September 29, 2015.The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge. However, he pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unlicensed firearm and was again remanded to prison.
On the first charge, the prosecution told the court that on the day in question, at approximately 19.30hrs, Dexter Griffith was sitting on a chair in front of his home in East Ruimveldt when the accused went up to him with a firearm and shot him.
Griffith managed to get up and tried to run, but fell into a drain and was picked up and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The prosecution said that the accused was contacted about the murder but denied any knowledge of the matter. The court was informed that the investigations into that particular matter were still ongoing.
After asking the court’s permission to explain a few things, ‘Nasty Man’ said that he was never afforded the opportunity to read or sign the statement prepared by the police in relation to the matter. According to him, he was also not placed on an identification parade. He also lamented that his right to a phone call after he was picked up by the police on Sunday was denied by the investigating ranks.
The murder accused said also that the police officer who swore to the statements provided to the court was never around him during the time of his detention, and he was seeing the officer for the first time in court.
Henry told Magistrate Azore that he was beaten while in custody, and the magistrate said a written note would be made of that.
‘Nasty Man’ told the court that he has an alibi for the night that Dexter Griffith was murdered, and there are people who can attest to that. He said that he also shared that information with the investigating ranks, but they refused to double check it.
Meanwhile, before the magistrate wrapped up the proceedings on the murder charge, ‘Nasty Man’ wasted no time in flattering her as he expressed his desire for her to continue hearing the matter. He said that based on the reviews that he received while he was previously locked down in prison, he’s learnt that “Magistrate Azore is a fair woman and listens to the accused and passes the right judgment.”
The magistrate smiled, but quickly made it clear to the accused that she has to transfer the matter to Court 2 and from there she was not sure which court the matter will be referred to, once it passes through that court tomorrow.
Henry also told the court that he could not understand how he was being charged for possession of ammunition and an unlicensed weapon when he saw a police officer toss a weapon into a trench in Agricola and then retrieve it in an effort to suggest that he, ‘Nasty Man’, had tossed it away after spotting them.
On Sunday, Henry was arrested in Agricola outside a house during a police sweep, after receiving word that wanted men were inside the building.
The police arrested two other young men, and also picked up a bullet-proof vest and other items which were in the house. The police are presently awaiting advice from the DPP in relation to any charges against them.