Logger accused of shooting at CANU rank

Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday remanded a Corentyne man accused of discharging a loaded firearm at a CANU officer and possession of firearms and ammunition.

The Georgetown Magistrate’s Court heard that on November 3, at Crabwood Creek, Baldeo Rai Singh discharged a loaded firearm at Ashley Williams with the intent to maim, disfigure or cause him actual bodily harm. In addition, he was charged with having in his possession eight rounds of ammunition and a pistol while not being the holder of a firearm licence. The 46-year-old logger pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution told the court that on the said day, acting on information Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers went to Ganesh Sawmill and they noticed the defendant and another man leaving. The accused then fired the shots at the officer and with the aid of a third accomplice they then tried to escape. However, Singh was apprehended and the others escaped. A search was conducted on his person and the said items were recovered.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that there are no special reasons or circumstances for the accused to be granted bail.

The matter was transferred to the Springland Magistrates’ Court for November 10.