An 18-year-old mechanic, accused of shooting his friend in the thigh during a tiff, was yesterday remanded to prison.
Conroy Cox, of 99 Third Avenue, Bartica, made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court One to answer the allegation levelled against him.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Cox pleaded not guilty to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Andy Fraser.
According to the police’s case, on April 22nd at Seventh Avenue, Bartica, Cox and the virtual complainant were together when the two had an argument. An enraged Cox, it was said, pulled out a gun and shot Fraser, causing injuries to the man’s left upper thigh. Fraser was hospitalised while Cox went on the run.
The accused was subsequently caught at a roadblock.
Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail, saying he feared that Cox might tamper with the witness if granted bail. Mangru also noted that Cox had been on the run for quite some time before his apprehension.
However, attorney-at-law Latchmi Rahamat, who represented Cox, asked the court to take into consideration the fact that the offence was a bailable one. She added that Cox had retained counsel, an indication that he was prepared to answer to his charge.
Rahamat further stated that the victim was out of the hospital and hadn’t spent “any undue time.”
Rahamat concluded that Cox had no passport but was willing to report regularly to the Bartica Police Station.
Nonetheless, Cox was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where Cox will make his next appearance on June 5 for statements.
