Wounded ‘Beaver’ on ‘unlawful possession of money’ charges

A WOUNDED ‘BEAVER’ from Redemption Sharpes/ Clifton, Union Island, has been charged with having over £25,500, EC$2,400 and US$81 in his possession, reasonably suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Alaskie ‘Beaver’ Samuel, who was brought to the Serious Offencses Court (SOC) yesterday, October 12, entered the courtroom while hopping due to a cast on his right leg that came up to his knee.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne observed that he was hopping, and was not using crutches.

Samuel also appeared to be winded.

“This hopping, hopping thing can’t do eh,” the magistrate commented, apparently addressing the police officers.

She asked the defendant if he had crutches with him when he came out of the hospital.

Samuel replied that he did not. He further explained that his leg had been fractured from a gunshot wound and noted that he could not put weight on it.

The injured defendant has been charged that he, on October 8, in Bigsand, Union Island, had in his possession €25,600, reasonably suspected of being stolen. On the same date and in the same place, Samuel is also accused of having in his possession EC$2456.10, and US$81, reasonably suspected of being unlawfully obtained.

The defendant, represented by counsel Grant Connell, entered not guilty pleas at the SOC for both charges. The prosecution did not raise an objection to Samuel’s bail and asked that the matter be transferred.

Samuel was allowed composite bail in the sum of $30,000, with one surety. He is to report to the Central Police Station once a week, and surrender all of his travel documents to the court. Stop notices against him have been placed at all ports of entry and exit, and the matter was transferred to Calliaqua for October 19, when a date will be set for Union Island.