Tiejie Henley, the 30 year old Luck Hill man charged in connection with an illegal firearm recovered in Fat Hogs Bay earlier this week, appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin on Thursday, July 23rd, at which point he pleaded not guilty to both charges brought against him.
Henley, who was represented by attorney Myron Walwyn, confirmed to the court that he understood the meaning of a guilty and not guilty plea before entering his plea to the charges of Carrying a Firearm without a License and Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
Outlining the Crown’s case, the prosecution told the court that shortly before midnight on July 21st, two officers on mobile patrol visited Geico Bar in Fat Hogs Bay, Tortola. According to the prosecution, officers observed Henley smoking what they believed to be a cannabis cigar and approached him, cautioning him that smoking cannabis was an offence.
When asked whether he was in possession of any other illegal items, Henley allegedly produced a second cannabis cigar. Officers then informed him of their intention to search a black shoulder bag in his possession for further contraband. That search, the prosecution said, led to the discovery of a loaded 9mm handgun. A subsequent search of Henley’s vehicle turned up no further items.
Henley was arrested at the scene and taken to the Road Town Police Station. The prosecution further alleged that Henley, at one point, indicated that the firearm belonged to him and that he carried it “for his protection.”
Attorney Walwyn applied for bail on Henley’s behalf, arguing that his client was not a flight risk given his deep ties to the Virgin Islands.
The prosecution objected, urging the court to weigh the seriousness of the offence, including the allegation that Henley was found in possession of a loaded firearm in a public place.
The magistrate raised the prosecution’s account of Henley’s alleged comment about the gun being for his own protection, noting that a defendant’s safety is a relevant consideration when the court assesses whether it would be safe to release someone from custody. In response, the defence pushed back, stressing that the statement remains only an allegation and that Henley must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Magistrate Benjamin reserved her decision on bail, with a ruling expected on Friday, July 24th. Henley has been remanded into police custody.