By Latrishka Thomas
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Several firearm and ammunition charges against two men were dismissed this week after the prosecution was instructed to withdraw the case midway through the trial because of insufficient evidence.
Shiloh Martin and Wayne Knowles had been on trial before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Wednesday in connection with the alleged possession of two firearms, ammunition, magazines and four bulletproof vests.
The case, however, came to an abrupt end while proceedings were under way when Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph instructed prosecutors to withdraw all charges against the men, citing weaknesses in the evidence.
The court subsequently dismissed the matters.
Martin and Knowles had been charged in relation to a Taurus .40-calibre pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9mm firearm, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two 9mm magazines, 10 rounds of .40-calibre ammunition and four ballistic vests.
The charges dated back to 16 October 2024, when police executed a search warrant at a residence in Liberta during the early morning hours.
Several people who were at the property at the time were detained during the operation, including three juveniles. They were later released without charge.
Attorney Warren Cassell represented Knowles, while Damian Benjamin appeared on behalf of Martin.
Gun, ballistic vest charges against two men dismissed mid-trial
