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Ex-army officer, spouse charged for ammo possession
A former army officer and his common law wife of eight years were released on a total of $300,000 bail after they were jointly charged with possession of ammunitions.
The accused, Theophilus Augustus “Tunkie” Stuart, 63, and Odessa Paddy 34, made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with unlawful possession of ammunitions.
It is alleged that on Tuesday last, at the couple’s Lot ‘S’ Freeman Street, East La Penitence home, they had in their possession one AK-47 magazine, both without being the holders of a valid firearm licence.
On the same day, they also reportedly had in their possession nine 7.62 x 39 ammunition without being the holders of a valid firearm licence. To the charges they both pleaded not guilty.
When the charges were being read to Paddy she broke down in tears. The couple told the court that they were not aware that they would be appearing in court and as such asked for time to contact their lawyer.
Stuart told the magistrate that he is being victimized because of his association with sedition accused Oliver Hinckson. He added that he was just picked up from the Brickdam Police Station lock-ups and taken to the court. It was the same with his spouse.
The magistrate then adjourned the matter for 30 minutes to grant the accused their request and to contact members of their family.
When the matter was called again and Stuart and Paddy were represented by defence counsel Gregory Gaskin, in association with Mark Waldron and Nigel Hughes.
Gaskin, in making a bail application for his clients, told the court that his clients pose no flight risk and that if released would not be tampering with the witnesses. He argued that such an issue was way out of his clients’ league.
Stuart’s medical condition was also brought to the court’s attention. The lawyer said that already for the year Stuart has been hospitalized twice, once after suffering a stroke, a condition that could be aggravated if he is placed in jail.
Gaskin then informed the court that Stuart’s spouse is four months pregnant and putting her in jail could affect both she and her unborn child’s health. Gaskin added that based on the instruction he received the Joint Services ranks, during the raid, dropped the items in Stuart’s house.
“Only a mentally ill person would choose to hide ammunition behind a bedroom door knowing that their home is being constantly searched by the Joint Services,” Gaskin argued.
He told the court that his client’s home had been searched several times in the not so distant past and that of other close relatives.
Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith objected to bail. She told the court that on the day in question the items along with a quantity of cash was found locked in a room in the house.
“I find it rather strange that the ranks would plant cash and ammunition in the home. Why would one want to plant cash as well in someone’s home?”
The accused are expected to make their next court on July 11.
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