Another bullet allegedly found in passenger’s luggage at Argyle airport

Another bullet, allegedly found by the security of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), has landed a 26-year-old Vincentian in court.

Gerald Walters, originally of Lowmans Windward, was escorted in police transport to the Serious Offences Court this Tuesday, January 9, in order to be charged with the offence of having in his possession illegal ammunition, namely a .38mm bullet, this Monday.

Reports are that Walters, who was trying to board a flight to Canouan, was moving through a security checkpoint at the airport, when there was revealed in his possessions an image which appeared to be that of a bullet.

Bail for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was not objected to by the prosecution, who asked instead that he surrender his travel documents and that there be enforced reporting conditions.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias granted bail in the sum of $2,000 to Walters, with one surety. An order to surrender his passport and to report to the Biabou Police Station once a week was also made.

The brother of Walters offered himself to the court to perform the role of surety and was accepted.

The date for the trial for Walters was changed twice at the request of lawyer for the defence Ronald Marks, on the basis that the defendant could not stay away from his work in Canouan for a prolonged period of time. The lawyer also asked for full disclosure in the case as soon as possible, which, depending on the results, could make the matter ‘a very short matter’, he stated.

Therefore, the evidence the Crown has with regard to the case was ordered to be handed over to the lawyer within two days.

Trial was finally slotted for January 16.

Walters is a free man for the time being and was able to leave the court with his family, albeit with some difficulty, while attempting to keep his face hidden by covering his head with a T-shirt and trying to see through one armhole.

Walters joins ranks with Robert Steele, who was also charged with the same offence on December 27 last year. However, Steele was deemed free to go after the prosecution failed to present enough evidence before the court to prove its case.(KR)