Bail denied over nightclub shooting

(CNS): A George Town man who is facing seven charges relating to a shooting outside Cub 7 in February was denied bail last week after the crown told the court that the charges were too serious and the evidence against him too great. Leighton Rankine (35) has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, wounding, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful use of that firearm as well as common assault. The crown’s case is that police arrived on the scene while Rankine was still holding the gun used to shoot the two men in the car park of the night club.  Police recovered the weapon from the bushes on the night and arrested Rankine who was also taken to hospital as he was injured in a fight.

Rankine denies shooting the two victims and says that he was assaulted that night and received serious injuries to his face and eyes as a result of being kicked in the head. He complained during the bail hearing that no charges had been brought against his assailants.

John Furnes, Rankine's defence attorney  asked the court to release his client on bail with a curfew and electronic tag until his trial in September so he could work and provide for his family as well as received treatment for the fractures in his face.

Justice Charles Quin however accepted the crown’s position that the defendant was facing very serious charges that could if he were to be found guilty result in a life sentence and therefore was not a suitable candidate for bail.