Lindener remanded on narco possession charges

– alleges Police brutality

A Linden resident, who appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Clive Nurse, was remanded to prison for the offences of narcotics possession and the illegal sale of firecrackers, among several related charges.

Travis Hasle, of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The first charge stated that on December 31, 2016, while on Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden, Hasle had two grams of cannabis sativa in his possession. The second charge stated that the 31-year-old was found engaged in the sale of firecrackers, which are prohibited goods, while a third charge contended that he had an offensive weapon in his possession. It is also alleged that he assaulted Officer Justin Johnson and attempted to inflict grievous bodily harm against the same officer during his arrest.

The defendant was very vocal during his court appearance, as he alleged Police brutality and as a result, ignored questions posed by Magistrate Nurse with regard to his pleas in relation to the charges against him. This resulted in the Magistrate asking him what he wished to plead several times. Alleging that the Police brutalised, beat and lashed him in his head with a baton and he had a medical paper to prove it, the defendant complained bitterly. Asked by the Magistrate whether he wished to have bail, the defendant continued with his complaints of Police brutality, as he completely ignored the question. He was then remanded to prison until January 18. The defendant had to be led outside the court compound as he shouted expletives at Police Officers.