Shot friend in the face after loan row -court hears

A man, who allegedly shot another man in his face after a misunderstanding over a loan, was yesterday remanded to prison.

Oswald Pierce, 40, of Lot 1063 Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Rolley Smith with the intent to commit murder.

The two men were friends but had a misunderstanding after Smith borrowed US$200 from Pierce, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry was told.

Oswald Pierce

It is alleged that the shooting took place on November 25, in South Ruimveldt. Prosecutor Mavis Grant said that at the time of the attack, Smith was sitting at a shop in South Ruimveldt, when Pierce walked up to him and told him that he would “settle this now.” Grant further noted that Pierce discharged a round from his gun, which entered Smith’s right jaw and exited at the back of his neck. He was rushed to the Balwant Singh Hospital for medical attention. Pierce, Grant added, was subsequently arrested at Moleson Creek.

Pierce’s attorney, Basil Williams, said that Smith had initially claimed that his brother shot him in the face and had threatened to kill his client. He explained that this was the reason why his client was arrested at Moleson Creek, where he had fled in fear for his life.

Williams then asked the prosecution to confirm that his client was not involved in the shooting and that no gun was ever found on his person. Grant, in response, said that the prosecution’s account was different and she objected to bail on the grounds that an offensive weapon was used. She further warned that if granted bail, Pierce would be a flight risk.

The magistrate then denied bail for the accused and adjourned the case until December 17 for reports and fixtures.