The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Court Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) after he was charged in connection with a rape that occurred in the Berry Islands.

Freeman Thurston, 34, faced assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on a charge of rape.

Thurston is accused of having had sexual intercourse with a 25-year-old woman without her consent on May 6 in the Berry Islands.

He was not required to enter a plea in court and was told his case would move to the Supreme Court through a VBI.

He was denied bail.

Thurston is expected to return to court on December 5 for his VBI.

In a separate matter, a man was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

Horatio Smith, 39, of Jamaica, faced Magistrate Shaka Serville after allegedly being found with a black and brown AK-47 rifle on September 5. On the same day the accused was further alleged to have had 13 unfired rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

In court Smith pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was represented by Alex Dorsett.

Prosecutor Sergeant Deon Barr objected to the accused’s bail on the basis that he is awaiting further information on Smith, including his immigration status.

While Mr Dorsett acknowledged that his client posed a flight risk and was in the country on a visitor’s visa, he said Smith still has the legal right to apply for bail.

In view of this Magistrate Serville remanded the accused to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services while he deliberates Smith’s case.

Smith is expected to return to court for continuation of his bail hearing on September 16.