Junior John and Jamal Jerioh, the two men who are accused of shooting at police ranks on Emancipation Day in the city, were yesterday remanded to prison after being charged.
John, 32, a mason of East La Penitence, and Jerioh, 21, a vendor of Albert Street, Queenstown, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown, where they were read the joint charges.
It was alleged that on August 1st, 2018, at Chapel and Norton streets, Georgetown, they discharged a loaded firearm at police constable Royston Mendonca, with intent to maim, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.
It was also alleged that on the same day and at the same location, they discharged a loaded firearm at police constable Leslie Lewis with intent to maim, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.
They were not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.
Jerioh was also read two other charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition by Chief Magistrate McLennan.
It was alleged that on August 1st, 2018, at Chapel and Norton streets, Jerioh had a .357 revolver in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence at time.
The second charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, he had in his possession four live rounds and a spent shell, without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time.
Jerioh pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the men being granted bail, while citing the serious nature of the allegations and the fact that a firearm was used in the commission of the said offences. He further went on to say that no special reason for bail was advanced by the defence.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan subsequently remanded the defendants to prison and adjourned the proceedings until August 27th, when a hearing is scheduled in the courtroom of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
Police had said Joriah was shot once in his left shoulder after lawmen returned fire.
According to a police press statement, ranks on a mobile patrol had observed the ‘suspicious’ movement of a car in the city. As a result, they followed the vehicle into Princes Street, where two occupants were seen exiting with handguns. They proceeded into a yard.
“Two ranks went in pursuit of the men while the vehicle continued into Norton and Chapel streets and another armed male exited,” the statement said.
This male was later identified as Jerioh.
He, too, was pursued by two other ranks. He allegedly fired at the ranks, who returned fire from their service weapons.
