BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOUR men who were to have stood trial during the January 2009 Criminal Assizes were freed last week when the gun-related charge brought against them was dropped.

The men, Sheldon Cannonier, Tyrone Fyfield, Collin Matthew and Dion Roberts, stood before His Lordship Justice Francis Belle on Thursday, January 22, which was the set date for their hearing.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Pauline Hendrickson told the court she had withdrawn the charge on the grounds that the investigator of the case is deceased and that there is “no evidence to support the committal” as the men were committed on the wrong offence.

Consequently, Dr. Henry Browne requested that the offence be “dismissed for want of prosecution” rather than withdrawal; a request which His Lordship granted.

Matthew, Roberts and Fyfield, who were on bail, were free to leave the court but Cannonier could not because he was on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison regarding a separate incident.

Cannonier, in making request for bail, told His Lordship that he has been on remand for the past 18 months and his family is suffering because of that.

His Lordship heard Cannonier’s submission but informed him that he would have to take a look at the deposition before making a decision.

Cannonier is to return to court tomorrow (Jan. 26) to know if he will be granted bail.