Teen in court for arms, ammo

FOLLOWING the arrests of a 52-year-old mother and her three daughters for possession of arms and ammunition, another person appeared yesterday before a Port-of- Spain magistrate to answer similar charges. Appearing before Magistrate Krishendeo Narinesingh in the City’s Four C Court was 18-year-old Christopher Rose, son of Margaret Rose, who was charged along with her daughters. The women were held by police officers who, after receiving information, searched the woman’s house on Sunday and found two pistols and 167 rounds of ammunition. The man reportedly fled the scene but surrendered to St James Police yesterday with attorney representing the family, Keith Scotland. Rose was then formally charged for possession of arms and ammunition, namely two pistols and 167 rounds of ammunition.

Narinesingh read the charges to Rose, and explained to him that the charges were laid indictably. In his bail application on behalf of his client, attorney Scotland told the Magistrate that the young man did not have any previous convictions, nor was he a flight risk, noting that he did in fact surrender to the police. In his quest for bail for his client, Scotland also noted that the other accused in the matter had been granted $30,000 bail, hinting to the magistrate that his client be granted the same.

In response, Narinesingh noted Senator Martin Daly’s letter to National Security Minister, Martin Joseph, which stated that no matter what level of society one comes from, all wrongdoers should face an equal risk of punishment for the commission of serious crimes. The Magistrate told Scotland that the day before, a soldier was before the court facing a similar charge and was granted bail in the sum of $140,000. Scotland disagreed with the Magistrate saying that the soldier’s bail figure would have been more due to the position he held. The Magistrate eventually granted Rose bail with surety in the sum of $65,000. All five persons will reappear on July 5.