Cop charged for unlawful discharge of firearm

Constable Orthwel ‘O.B’ John will reappear before the Serious Offences Court on February 1 for trial, after being charged with wounding and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

It is alleged that on June 22, John, who is attached to the Special Patrol Unit, wounded Kevin Neil of Penniston and unlawfully discharged his firearm on that same date, contrary to Section 185 and 174 of chapter 171/09 of the criminal code.

When he appeared before chief magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences court last Wednesday, the Vermont resident pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was then granted bail in the sum of EC$7,000.

Upon leaving the court, John used his lawyer Ronnie Marks to shield himself from photographers, as he slipped into a car parked outside the courthouse.

John has been suspended from police duty on half-pay, pending the outcome of the trial.

Eight persons are expected to appear before the court as witnesses in this matter.(AS)