Following his arrest last weekend, Dylan Patrick Shillingford of York Valley, Layou appeared at the Roseau District Magistrate’s court before Magistrate Michael Laudat pleading not guilty to seven charges posed against him. On Monday, June 11, Shillingford was charged with two counts of firearm possession without a firearm license, possession of prohibited firearm without a license, possession of 100 live ammunition, cultivation of over three plants of cannabis, drug trafficking of 3,082 grams of cannabis with intent to supply, and converting firearm into a prohibited weapon.
Applying for bail on behalf of his client, attorney Wayne Norde reminded the court that, “the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.” He continued, “in his circumstances, based on our constitution, the question that arises is why should the court detain the defendant for an offence which he ‘allegedly’ committed?” Referring to Section 7 (1) of the 2020 Bail Act, Norde displayed confidence in his client’s evidence satisfying the court. He highlighted that Shillingford is a first-time offender, is gainfully employed, agrees to adhere to bail conditions and surrender to the court, when necessary, has a suitable surety, and will not interfere with any witnesses while on bail.
Meanwhile, the prosecution shared his concerns with the defendant being the holder of an American passport, hence indicating a possible escape from jurisdiction. However, Norde had previously relayed his client’s willingness to surrender all travel documents upon grant of bail. He also mentioned that Shillingford lives in an area in his community which is referred to as “a Zion,” hinting obvious social isolation, posing no threat to the public.
The defence counsel continued to advocate, “ Law doesn’t discriminate, and the law isn’t sexist. There are persons charged with trafficking over twenty firearms and are out on bail.” He confidently assured, “We have satisfied all appropriate circumstances to grant him bail pursuant to Section 7(2) A-E.”
The prosecution argued otherwise, stating that neither proof of ownership of Shillingford’s dwelling property was issued, nor mention of family ties in Dominica. He went on to mention his ownership of an American passport, indicating he may have no ties to Dominica. It was also underlined that the firearms discovered were loaded, making the defendant a possible threat to the public. Suggesting the use of discretion, the prosecution reminded the court of the seriousness of all seven offences and their penalties.
The following day was met with the court’s final decision and Magistrate Laudat warned, “the court notes the surge of gun violence places a dangerous threat to our community.” He concluded that the court was not satisfied concerning the appropriate circumstances to grant bail to the defendant.
On Tuesday, June 11, Shillingford was denied bail and placed on remand until his trial at the St. Joseph Magistrate’s Court on November 25, 2024, as he has agreed to a magistrate’s court trial. He is entitled to another bail application once the relevant circumstances arise.
It takes 30+ minutes to reach York Valley from the St Jospeh police station. In the past 5 years, there have been robberies, people held at gun point for their salaries on layou bridge, dead bodies found by the old chicken farm on the layou road, the missing girl that was kidnapped and killed ……by the madman and many other miscellaneous crimes. It is NOT SAFE for residents of Layou valley. Mr Shillingford is a pig farmer that kills his pigs with bullets so they do not suffer having their throat slit. He has also his farm where he grows other food crops, which is robbed all the time. I’m not saying he should kill people he finds on his farm stealing, but next time you are in Layou glo sho, call the police and see if they respond to come out to help you.
DNO Admin please note – today, Tuesday is June 11th and not June 12th as stated in your article
ADMIN: Thank you for bringing that to our attention. The correction has been made.