In December 2016, former rank of the Guyana Police Force Lloyd Lyte was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he allegedly shot Martin Atwell, called “John Kirby”, during a drunken brawl in the vicinity of Wings and Things Bar, Mandala Avenue, when he refused to remove beer bottles from the trunk of his car.
Lyte appeared in an anxious state in the company of his trial lawyer, Satesh Kissoon, on the closing day of the preliminary inquiry (PI), on Thursday morning, before the presiding Magistrate Judy Latchman, who ruled that the court is of the opinion that the Prosecution, led by Police Prosecutor Visnu Hunte, had established a prima-facie (first impression case) of attempted murder against him (Lyte) to commit him to stand trial at the next practical sitting of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature.
Committed to stand trial, Former Police officer Lloyd Lyte
The defendant continues to maintain his innocence, and was heard saying, “I’m innocent of the charge, Your Worship”, when given a chance to exercise his right to speak.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Latchman granted defense counsel’s application to have his bail maintained pending the outcome of the High Court trial.
Martin Atwell, aka ‘John Kirby’
The man, now a security guard and father of seven of East Ruimveldt Georgetown, was reportedly involved in an argument with Atwell just outside the premises of Wings and Things Bar when Atwell allegedly refused to remove some beer bottles he placed on the trunk of Lyte’s vehicle.
The ex-cop reportedly retreated to the bar following the argument, but matters made a turn for the worse when Atwell reportedly trailed him, whipped out a gun and shot at him, who responded with shots from his own licensed firearm, hitting Atwell in the chest and abdomen.
The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited persons, where he was admitted and treated.
