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A 16-year-old,Andrew Desjardins Jersey, of Charlotte Street, Lacytown,Brian Bellows Jersey, was denied his pretrial liberty by Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton,Jamie Benn Jersey, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court,Sean Couturier Team North America Jersey, yesterday.On April 23, last, the teen allegedly had in his possession 3.5 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking in narcotics.He pleaded not guilty. He is being represented by attorney at law Randolph Kirton,Travis Moen Jersey, who said that on the day in question his client had just come from work and was in the process of taking a bath.The lawyer further explained that while his client was in the bathroom,Trevor Van Riemsdyk Jersey, he heard noises downstairs and immediately ventured outside.He said that the teen was standing at the door and saw a number of persons running out of the yard. The lawyer said that a number of policemen were in the yard also.Kirton claimed that a policeman ran up to his client and asked if he had any knowledge about what was happening in his yard.“The police asked him if he knew about what was taking place in the yard and my client answered in the negative,” Kirton explained.The lawyer said that after his client denied knowing about what happening in his yard, the police immediately told him that they found the drugs and that it belonged to him.The lawyer claimed that the police beat his client in the head and abdomen. He also stated that his client was kept longer than the stipulated 72 hours in detention,Dalton Prout Jersey,— from since April 23 to yesterday when he was charged.The lawyer continued to proclaim his client’s innocence,Tony Twist Jersey, stating that the teen had no previous antecedents,David Clarkson Jersey, and would pose no flight risk because he has no travel documents.The lawyer also stated that bail should be granted since the defendant falls under the Minor’s Act of 1994.The magistrate responded that the Minors’Act does not apply to his client because it clearly specifies that the defendant’s age is considered at the time of sentencing, and not when granting bail.Police Prosecutor Robert Clement objected to bail on the grounds that nothing that was raised by the lawyer gave reasons why bail should be granted.The prosecutor stated that when making a bail application one much seek to give reasons relating to the defendant and not the offence.He further told the court that on the day in question the defendant was seen coming out of a yard on Charlotte Street, whilst in the company of another male.Upon seeing the police who were in a vehicle, he immediately started to “fumble” with his pants pockets.The defendant was stopped and searched and the narcotic was found in his pants pocket.The accused is expected to make another court appearance on August 26. |
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