Thirty-year-old Sherman Bobb, and his 26-year-old, girlfriend, Monifa Edwards both appeared yesterday before Acting Chief Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with possession of narcotics and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
It was alleged that on May 5, at East La Penitence Squatting Area, they had in their possession 30 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. It was further alleged that on May 5 at East La Penitence Squatting Area, they had in their possession, one .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and that they also had in their possession, .32 ammunition without a licence.
Bobb pled guilty with explanation to all three charges while Edwards pleaded not guilty.
Bobb told the court that on the night in question, the police went to his home and he cooperated with them. “They put me and my girl to sit down in the chair. I was not present when they search the house.” He then told the magistrate that one of the investigating ranks conducted “business” with him. “When he take away people weed he does sell me back.” He further alleged that the same rank sold him a motorbike which he paid $50,000 for. “When he done he tell me I gah bring back the bike to the station.”
The accused also made allegations about the gun that was found. “They show me the gun in two parts.” When asked about the quantity of leaves, seeds and stems found, he replied “Your Worship, I am a young man; I do mason work in the afternoon when I knock off I does sell the lil weed.” This, he explained, served to “maintain” his customers, adding, “is like an ounce or a lil half ounce – nothing big.”
Meanwhile, his partner, Edwards, denied any knowledge of the firearm and narcotics. Bobb told the court that his girlfriend was innocent and had no knowledge of any of the items found.
However, the police prosecutor stated a different version of events. He told the court that on the day in question, ranks acting on information went to the home of Bobb and asked to be allowed to conduct a search and permission was given. When the ranks checked the freezer, a firearm was found lodged between some parcels containing chicken. A further search was conducted and in the bedroom under a pillow on the bed, they discovered a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems in small transparent zip lock bags. Both defendants were subsequently cautioned and arrested. While under caution Edwards stated, “Is not me own.”
Both Edwards and Bobb pleaded to be granted bail but their request was denied by the magistrate who stated that no special reasons were given as to why they should be granted bail.
As a result the duo was remanded and the matter adjourned to May 16 for a probation report and sentencing. The magistrate also requested that an expert be brought in to explain the evidence found.
