JP freed of gun, assault charges
published:
Friday | February 22, 2008
Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter
St Andrew businessman and Justice of the Peace Bryan Jacas on Wednesday had the illegal possession of firearm and assault charges against him dropped when he appeared in the Gun Court.
The couple who Jacas allegedly assaulted with his licensed firearm told the court that it was a "misunderstanding" and the matter needed not go any further.
Defence lawyer Alando Terrelonge said the Crown would have difficulty proving the charges against Jacas.
Justice Kay Beckford made no order in the case, freeing Jacas.
The offences were alleged to have been committed on May 2, 2006 in the Grants Pen area of St Andrew.
Allegedly pulled firearm
Jacas, who is a community co-ordinator for the Dispute Resolution Foundation, was alleged to have pulled his licensed firearm during a dispute.
Jacas had said that he had his firearm at his side in the event he was attacked. He said the firearm was pointed to the ground during the dispute and he did not point it at anyone.
Terrelonge submitted further that the case should not have been brought before the court because, based on the statements, the offence was not committed. He told the court that it was a relative of one of the complainants who reported that Jacas had a firearm at his waist.
He said for the assault charge to be substantiated, the complainants would have to say in their statements that Jacas pulled the firearm and they were in fear of their lives. He said the complainants and the accused knew each other and the firearm remained at the accused's side and was pointed to the ground.
