Shooting outside Wings and Things bar…Victim testifies he was drinking whisky, feeling nice

Jul 06, 2017 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

Martin Atwell, who was allegedly shot thrice by a former policeman outside the Wings and Things

Martin Atwell also known as John Kirby

Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, said that prior to the shooting he was drinking Johnny Walker Double Black whisky and feeling nice.
Former policeman, Lloyd Lyte, 43, has been charged with the shooting.
It is alleged that on November 14, 2016 he discharged a loaded firearm at Atwell, also known as John Kirby, with intent to commit murder.
Lyte is currently out on $150,000 bail. He has also been ordered to lodge his passport and report to the East Ruimveldt Police Station until the determination of the matter.
The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matter continued yesterday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt called Atwell to testify during which he told the court that he went to the bar with his son and nephew. He recounted that he was consuming the alcohol beverage and feeling a little nice.
The witness recalled that Lyte was the man who walked up to him and told him something before pushing him.
Also testifying was Police Constable Kevis Thomas, who is stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown and attached to the

CHARGED: Lloyd Lyte

Crime Laboratory.
According to the police witness, he carried out a gun powder residue examination on Atwell. Constable Thomas was later cross examined by Satish Kissoon, Attorney-at-Law for Lyte.
According to reports, Atwell was standing outside the ‘Wings and Things’ bar, when an argument ensued between him and Lyte.
Police said the row started after Atwell refused to remove some beer bottles he placed on the trunk of Lyte’s vehicle. It is alleged that after the argument, the ex-cop went into the bar, but Atwell followed him, pulled out a firearm and shot at him. The man immediately drew his licensed handgun and discharged several rounds at Atwell, hitting him in the chest and abdomen.
In May, Atwell, who is said to be a father of 30, was released on $200,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to a charge which alleged that he attempted to pervert the course of justice. Particulars of that charge alleged that Atwell, 45, of Lot 374 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown contacted Hurst Simons to gave false information to police. The offence allegedly occurred on May 15 at Georgetown.
Court facts indicate that on the day in question, Simons dropped off Atwell’s son, Jose at his destination. However, after Jose disembarked the vehicle, Simons upon checking found a loaded firearm in the seat on which Jose was sitting.
Jose has been charged for being in illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.