A 66-year-old truck driver from St Michael, Barbados, has been ordered to remain in custody at Dodds Prison for four weeks following his court appearance on serious weapon-related allegations. John Mitchell Cozier of Niles Road, Eagle Hall, faced the Bridgetown Law Courts on Thursday charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and unauthorized ammunition.
The accused appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on two indictable offenses dating back to December 10. The charges specify that Cozier allegedly possessed one firearm without holding the required valid license and fifteen rounds of ammunition without the necessary permit. During the proceedings, the defendant was not required to enter a formal plea to these charges.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Weekes made the decision to remand Cozier into the custody of Dodds Prison until January 8, 2024, when the matter will be revisited by the court. The legal representation for Cozier was provided by Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens, a prominent figure in Barbados’ legal community.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal weapon possession in Barbados and the judicial system’s handling of such matters. The four-week remand period allows for further investigation while ensuring the defendant’s appearance at the next hearing. The involvement of senior legal counsel suggests the potential complexity of the case moving forward.