Three Men to Stand Trial at January Assizes on Firearms and Ammunition Charges

Three men accused of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition have been ordered to stand trial when the January 2026 Assizes open in the High Court.

The defendants, Judeah Francis of Potters, Jaquan Davis of Skerritt’s Pasture, and Devonne Burton of Paynters , were committed to trial following a recent magistrate’s hearing into the charges arising from an incident in June 2024.

Police allege that the trio were found with two firearms, a black 9mm Browning pistol and a black Desert Eagle .41/.44 Magnum pistol, along with fourteen 9mm rounds of ammunition.

Investigators further claim the men intended to use the weapons in the commission of a crime, leading to an additional charge of attempting to commit a criminal act with the use of firearms.

In a related offence, Francis is also charged with reckless driving, accused of operating a vehicle at a dangerous speed on a public highway, taking into account road conditions, time of day, and traffic levels.

According to court documents, prosecutors intend to rely on fourteen exhibits and the testimony of seven witnesses when the case is brought before the High Court early next year.

The committal marks the latest stage in what police have described as an ongoing effort to curb the illegal possession and use of firearms across Antigua and Barbuda.