ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É

Businessman Robert Bell is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison after being hit with gun-related charges stemming from an alleged violent altercation with a nurse practitioner.

Bell, 65, of a St Andrew address, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit a First Schedule offence, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause injury -- charges that carry heavy penalties under Jamaica's Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022.

Additionally, he has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault at common law,

Veteran attorney Peter Champagnie, KC, said that if the charges, as reported are accurate, the matter will proceed to the Gun Court and not the parish court. He also said that a conviction on the firearm charges could mean more than a decade behind bars.

"In the event that there is a trial, or if there is a guilty plea, in either instances where there is an adverse ending for the accused, he would be exposed to a mandatory minimum period of 15 years," Champagnie said.

The charges against Bell stem from an alleged incident, which is believed to have been captured in a video that has gone viral.

The police's communication arm, the Corporate Communications Unit, said that about 7:15 p.m. last Tuesday, the complainant, a nurse practitioner, was on her way to work when her vehicle was impeded by a vehicle driven by Bell. A dispute ensued between the two individuals, during which the nurse was physically assaulted.

The following day, Bell was apprehended by the police. He was subsequently charged after a question-and-answer interview in the presence of his attorney. His licensed firearm was also seized by the police.

Champagnie said that the illegal use of a firearm attracts criminal sanctions.

"The law says that even though one may have licensed firearm and have a valid licence for it, if it is used in an illegal way then the firearm becomes illegal itself. So it doesn't matter whether or not you have a licence, once you use it in a way that is illegal then it is deemed illegal," Champagnie said.

The veteran attorney, however, insists that Bell is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

"Everyone, irrespective of the type of allegations or charges, is entitled to due process," he said.

"It is not a matter that should be tried in public. While I appreciate the public's need to know, especially in a case like this, it is always best for the court to take precedence over the determination of the matter, there can be no other way," he said.