UPDATE - Heskey's alleged killer was trying to prevent robbery, court hears
This was disclosed by the Crown this afternoon May 29, 2012.
James, who appeared for the first time in the Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty to carrying an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
However, he pleaded guilty to being in possession of 0.05 grammes of cannabis.
Senior Crown Counsel, Valston Graham in outlining the facts of the case stated that on January 18 at around 1 a.m. Charran Bhari drove into the parking lot of Crystal Night Club, Free Bottom and had the intention of going into the club. However, he was thwarted by the rain and was waiting in his vehicle when he was approached by two masked men.According to Graham, the two men allegedly used force to rob Bhari of his gold chain and James, who was parked nearby, observed what was happening.
In light of this, James allegedly exited his vehicle and with a firearm discharged several rounds and left the parking lot.
The police was summoned to the scene and recovered seven 9 mm spent shells, as well as, one projectile. Heskey was also found dead and was wearing a mask, Graham told the court. The dead man had the gold chain in one of his hands and a handgun was retrieved near his body. A juvenile was also injured in the shooting.
Shortly after, James allegedly returned to the scene where he was arrested and taken in custody.
During his interview, the court heard, the 24 year-old allegedly admitted to discharging his firearm and did so to stop a robbery. The defendant also told police that he disposed of the gun “by throwing it into the sea.”
After the spent shells and projectiles were examined by a Forensic Science Examiner, it was confirmed that the firearm was a lethal barrel weapon.
Against this backdrop, officers checked with the police armoury records and found that James is not a holder of a valid license to keep or carry a firearm or ammunition.
The Virgin Islander was officially charged with the offenses on May 26, 2012 and on the same day he was caught with a partial marijuana cigarette in his vehicle while he and another man was in the Crystal Night Club area.
He allegedly admitted to police it was a joint that he just smoked.
Bail grantedMeanwhile, James’ lawyer Herbert McKenzie informed Magistrate Tamia Richards that his client was not a flight risk and has always cooperated with the police.
To this end, Magistrate Richards offered the Purcell Estate resident $100,000 bail with two signed sureties. He has to report to the Road Town Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6 a.m and 6 p.m.
The Crown did not object to bail.
Furthermore, Senior Crown Counsel Graham announced that the file is ready and intends to call four witnesses for the trial, which is set for July 26, 2012.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
23 Responses to “UPDATE - Heskey's alleged killer was trying to prevent robbery, court hears ”