Chief Magistrate Candia Carette George has denied bail to Police Constable Anthony Francis Jr., who had been serving at the Mahaut Police Station. Francis faces multiple serious charges relating to possession of ammunition and theft of both firearms-related items and controlled substances.
According to the charges, Francis was found with five rounds of 12-gauge ammunition and twenty rounds of 7.5 mm ammunition without a valid license. He is further accused of stealing ammunition of varying calibres, including 61 rounds of 9mm and 36 rounds of 5.56 mm, along with 286 grams of cocaine, all valued at over EC$8,000, property of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force.
His defense team, led by attorney Tiyani Behanzin, argued for bail, emphasizing his service record and willingness to comply with any conditions the court might impose. However, the prosecution, represented by Director of Public Prosecutions Sherma Dalrymple, strongly objected. She cited legal provisions under the Bail Act and stressed the public interest and safety implications of the case, particularly given the nature of the missing ammunition.
Supporting the prosecution’s stance, firearms expert Jefferson Ferrol provided evidence on the potential dangers associated with the stolen rounds. After weighing the arguments, the Chief Magistrate determined that bail would not be in the public’s interest at this stage and ordered that Francis be remanded to the State Prison in Stock Farm.
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