Man who threatened journalist charged with firearm possession

A Glen resident, who last month threatened a SEARCHLIGHT journalist, was remanded in custody yesterday, after he was brought before the Serious Offences Court on firearm and ammunition charges.

Dennis Richardson, 23, who was at the time on bail for a matter in which he is charged with armed robbery, was yesterday charged that on March 16, 2017, at Ottley Hall, he had a firearm and three 12-gauge cartridges without a licence issued under the Firearms Act.

The Glen man pleaded not guilty to both charges.

When the question of bail arose senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche objected to bail, reminding the court that Richardson was apprehended while on bail for another accusation.

Richardson is accused of joining two teenage boys who robbed a PH Veira and Co Ltd employee of EC$36,950 with a firearm on January 30, 2017.

He is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence. Both charges laid were indictable, so he was not required to plead.

When Richardson was brought before the court on Monday, February 7, 2017, journalist Ari Shaw took Richardson’s photo outside of the court, as he made his way to the bathroom.

Both men returned to the court and Shaw noticed that Richardson was staring at him as if displeased about having had his photograph taken. He then told Shaw, “Anyhow I get bail today, I giving you one personal.”

The matter was later reported to the police.

When Richardson reappeared before the court yesterday, the Crown indicated that they would be ready to proceed with the matter today, March 21, 2017. However, Richardson asked for time to contact his counsel.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias denied bail, but awarded him the opportunity to “get his house in order.”

Richardson, who was last represented by lawyer Ronald Marks, will reappear before the court on March 27, 2017.