DEREK ACHONG
A 38-year-old man from Chaguanas has been granted $150,000 bail after appearing in court for possession of an assault rifle.
Klevon Watson, a labourer of Chase Village, Chaguanas, was granted bail when he made his first court appearance before High Court Master Shabiki Cazabon on Tuesday.
On October 24, police officers went to execute a search warrant at Watson's home.
They claimed that as they arrived at the location, they saw Watson standing in a doorway with a green and black assault rifle in his hands.
They claimed that Watson dropped the weapon and ran away. They chased after him, but he managed to escape.
The officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 30 rounds of 5.56 calibre ammunition.
Watson was arrested several days later.
He was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, which can only be lawfully carried by a member of the protective services, and possession of ammunition.
Watson was not called upon to plead to the charges during his hearing.
The police prosecutor assigned to his case did not object to bail for Watson despite him having a lengthy criminal record with almost a dozen pending charges for offences including assault, robbery with violence, and resisting arrest.
However, he requested that conditions be placed to ensure Watson's future court appearances.
In making Watson's bail application, his lawyer Bhimal Maharajh noted that he is the sole caregiver for his minor children ages 12, nine and five as their mother died almost eight months ago.
He also requested Watson's retired aunt be allowed to serve as surety for his bail and ensure his court attendance. Master Cazabon agreed.
As part of his bail conditions, Watson was ordered to report to the Freeport Police Station twice weekly until his case was determined.
The sufficiency hearing in Watson's case is expected to take place in October next year.
