Threatening behaviour charge against alleged shooter at PNCR’s Congress dismissed

Last Updated on Friday, 15 August 2014, 0:34 by GxMedia

A threatening behavior charge against the man, who was accused of firing a single gunshot during the People National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) 18^th Biennial Congress last month, was Thursday dismissed because the lone witness did not appear to testify.

City Magistrate, Geeta Chandan-Edmond dismissed the case against Linden Primo after the complainant, Akeshaw Barker, did not appear in court on several occasions when the case was called.

As a result, the case was dismissed due to the witness’ absence, despite repeated efforts by the Prosecutor to contact Barker. After the case was adjourned several times, a final date was given.

Primo, 55, a security guard at Mahdia Gold Corporation, had been granted his pre-trial freedom on his own recognizance the first day he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on July 31.

Particulars of the charge were that  on Sunday, July 27, 2014, Primo threatened Barker who had gone to Congress Place (PNCR Headquarters) for that party’s 18th Biennial Congress.

According to the Prosecution’s facts the woman was in the auditorium to see a staff member when Primo, who was standing about seven feet away from her, allegedly took out a gun from his waist and pointed it in her direction and allegedly discharged a round.

Primo of 41 Farm Village, Mahaicony was arrested on Tuesday, July 29 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport shortly before he was due to leave for the United States.. He was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Patrice Henry.

Top PNCR officials had said that Primo, who was part of the Returning Officer’s security team, had fired the shot after a crowd of persons had braced a barrier during efforts to hold that party’s internal elections.