South Rivers resident to answer gun, ammo charges

A South Rivers man who alleges that he was severely beaten by police officers in his hometown on Saturday, June 18, will re-appear in court on Wednesday, June 29, to answer charges of firearm and ammunition possession.{{more}}

Duran Gerard is charged that on June 18 at South Rivers he had a 9 millimetre semi-automatic pistol (make and serial number unknown) without a licence under the Firearm Act. He is also charged with having in his possession two rounds of 9 millimetre ammunition without a licence.

Gerard who was hospitalized with neck, chest and other injuries after being detained by police on Saturday 18, appeared in court on Tuesday, June 21 and was granted bail in the amount of $15,000, which was signed by a relative.

He reappeared in court on Wednesday, June 22, at which time Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias set his trial date for June 29 and allowed his bail to continue.

It is alleged that Gerard was found with the firearm at around 9 p.m. while attending Carnival celebrations in South Rivers.

Gerard’s lawyer, Grant Connell, said that his client sustained serious injuries during his arrest, spent three days at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and had to visit a private doctor for medical treatment after leaving the MCMH. Connell is hoping to have an extensive medical report admitted into evidence when Gerard goes to trial.(LC)