by Sandra Downes
The case of former ace detective Ashford “Rap Browne” Jones has started and he has opted for a judge only trial.
It is Barbados’ second judge only trial and the matter has ended up before the same judge who conducted the first, Justice Elwood Watts.
Jones, 78, of Inch Marlow, Christ Church, who pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned in Supreme Court No. 2A yesterday, is accused of possession of 100 rounds of ammunition on October 13, 2019, without a valid licence.
Three police officers, Sergeant Richard Bailey, Sergeant Basil Hinds and Station Sergeant Roger Bullard testified.
In his evidence, Hinds said that in 2019 Jones had licences for three firearms; a .9 mm Glock 17 Pistol, a .177 Anschutz Target rifle and a 7. 62 Paramount Target Rifle.
Questioned by Browne’s attorney, Angella Mitchell-Gittens SC, as to how much ammunition Jones is entitled to have for the rifles, Hinds said he was not allowed to have any, although he was allowed to own 50 rounds for the 9 mm firearm.
“Since the rifles were going to be used at some point in time, Jones would be expected to have ammunition then?” she queried Hinds agreed, but explained that any ammunition for the rifles would be disbursed at the shooting range.
“Is that stated on the firearm licence?”
“No,” Hinds replied.
Forensic firearms examiner, Station Sergeant Roger Bullard, recalled test firing six of the 100 .40 cartridges submitted to him, and concluded they were ammunition.
Questioned about how he received the ammunition, Bullard said he got them separated into 50s, each in a plastic bag.
The case continues next Monday.
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