Accused ‘Hot Skull’ gang member charged with assault on cop, escape from custody

Damion Allicock, who police alleged was a member of the “Hot Skull” gang, was yesterday granted his release on a total of $105,000 bail after being read four charges, including escaping police custody.

Allicock, 26, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Georgetown, where he was charged with escaping lawful custody, obstructing a peace officer, assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Allicock, who is a fisherman, is alleged to have committed the offences against Wilfred Franks, a peace officer acting in the execution of his duties at the Ruimveldt Police Station on February 27. At the time, Allicock was being held at the station on a charge of unlawfully wounding his wife.

Damion Allicock
Damion Allicock

He pleaded not guilty to the four charges and told the court that on the day in question he was arrested at his home by three ranks, who told him that there was an allegation made by his wife alleging that he assaulted her. He stated that he went with the officers to the Ruimveldt Station and when he got there he asked if he could purchase a phone card to call his mother. He said while the officer agreed, as he was proceeding to the area to purchase the phone card an officer came running behind him, grabbed him by his pants and asked if he was trying to escape custody. Allicock alleged that the officer began to “chuck” him.

He noted that at that point no statement was taken from him and that he still had his valuables on him as he hadn’t gone into the station as yet. He further stated that he had no reason to attempt to escape custody as the matter between him and his wife is to be resolved today.

After hearing his submissions, Magistrate Azore set bail at $10,000 on each charge of assault, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest and at $75,000 on the charge of escaping police custody.

The matter is set to be called again on March 31st.

Police had identified Allicock in 2013 as being among eight alleged gang members charged with offences ranging from armed robbery, to illegal firearm possession and assault.