Two men, 20 years, on gun and ammunition charges

A lawyer has argued that whenever the prosecution asks the court to deny someone bail due to “ongoing investigations” for bailable offences, the prosecution is denying that person their liberty.

Jomo Thomas voiced this concern when Deo Johnson, 30, and Dante John, 20, both of Redemption Sharpes appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Tammika McKenzie, on Friday, September 13, 2024.

The men denied that on September 11, 2024 at Akers they had in their possession one raven .25 pistol without a license issued under the Firearms Act.

The men, who work as labourers also denied that on the same date and place they had in their possession six rounds of .25 ammunition without a license issued under the Firearms act.

Prosecutor, Devon Bute, objected to bail for the accused. He said that while the firearm was recovered by the police, investigations are ongoing and should conclude in one week.

He asked that the men be remanded so they won’t hinder the investigations. Thomas represented John, while Grant Connell represented Johnson in the matter.

Thomas, who argued on behalf of both men in Connell’s absence, said there is nothing before the court that speaks to the nature of the investigation, nor how the accused’ freedom will hinder it.

“These applications deny citizens their liberty,” Thomas argued, adding that the offences for which John and Johnson are charged with are “bailable offences.”

Thomas told the court that once a court issues bail, it can issue a whole series of conditions. He said he is sceptical when the prosecution makes applications of this nature.

The Senior Magistrate noted that Johnson is currently on bail for another offence, while John isn’t. Therefore, she denied Johnson bail and remanded him in custody until September 16 when he was due to go before the Serious Offences Court for bail review.

McKenzie said that she had no reason to remand John; he was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 with one surety. John was ordered to report to the Central Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday between 6 a.m and 6 p.m, and to surrender all travel documents. He also was placed on a curfew from 7 p.m to 5:30 a.m.

When Johnson appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate Colin John yesterday, September 16, he was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 with one surety and bail conditions.

A press release issued by the Public Relations Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) stated that on the date of the offence, narcotics officers who were on patrol in the Akers area conducted a routine stop on a rental vehicle bearing registration number RC-534.

The vehicle contained three males; however, one of the individuals fled the scene as the officers approached. The remaining two individuals were identified as John and Johnson.

Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, the officers discovered a .25 calibre pistol, along with six rounds of ammunition. In addition to the firearm, the officers seized EC$3,190 in cash; two sheep (both ewe); and two goats—one ram and one ewe. The origins of the animals are currently under investigation and the cash was handed over to the Financial Investigations Unit for further investigations.