Teenager on gun charge granted bail

A teenager on firearm and ammunition charges has been remanded to HMP Dodds.

When he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, Jalon Raul Stevion Massiah-Griffith, 18, of Spruce Street, St Michael, was not required to plead to having a firearm and seven rounds of ammunition in his possession on August 22, 2021.

He also was not required to plead to using a firearm. He was further charged with placing Miguel Nestor in danger of death or serious bodily harm on the same date.

On the latter charge, the prosecution objected to the accused being granted bail, on the grounds that it was a very serious offence and that Massiah-Griffith may interfere with the investigation. He also noted the strength of the evidence.

However, Queen’s Counsel Michael Lashley, in his bail application, argued that his client was a first-time offender, is gainfully employed and has a fixed place of abode.

The attorney also said he had not been served with any pre-trial disclosure and, therefore, it could not be said that the evidence was strong.

Magistrate Alison Burke granted him $8,000 bail on that offence. As part of the conditions for bail, he will have to report to Central Police Station every Monday by 10 a.m. and will be on a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

He will return to court on September 23, 2021.