Bail for man charged with hand grenades, ammunition

AKIL PIERRE, 24, of Orchard Gardens, Pleasantville was yesterday granted $200,000 bail on charges of possession of two hand grenades and 300 rounds of ammunition.

Pierre appeared before senior magistrate Jo-Ann Conner in the San Fernando Magistrates’ court, who read the first charge that on Wednesday last, he had in his possession the grenades at Orchard Gardens while not being a member of the TT Defence Force.

Another charge was read to Pierre that on the same day, he was in possession at the same location, of 180 rounds of 7.62 ammunition; 79 rounds of 5.56; 20 rounds of 3.57; 15 rounds of .38; five rounds of .40; one round of .45 calibre ammunition.

The charges were laid indictably so Conner did not call on the accused to enter a plea. The grenades and ammunition were not brought into the courtroom for the hearing. Pierre was arrested last week Wednesday and on Tuesday this week, he appeared in the Chaguanas magistrates’ court on the charges. A magistrate transferred the case to the San Fernando courts.

Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan did not object to bail being granted, however, he told the magistrate to consider the dangerous nature of hand grenades which only members of certain arms of the protective services, are allowed to have and only in certain circumstances.

Attorney Taradath Singh who represented Pierre, submitted that the accused has a clean criminal record. Connor granted Pierre $200,000 bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace without any option for a cash alternative. The magistrate said that Pierre must seek a High Court judge's approval for such. As a condition to bail, Pierre must report to Mon Repos Police Station by 6 pm every Saturday. He is to return to court on May 22.