DPP dismisses charge against Cadet Officer who shot teen in mouth

The Cadet Officer, Franz Paul, who was on trial for shooting a teenager in his mouth, walked out of the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court a free man today, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)l, dropped the charge against him.

The matter, which has been engaging the attention of the court since June 2014, came up before Magistrate Fabayo Azore today where it was revealed by Prosecutor Dominic Bess that the DPP will no longer prosecute the case because the complainant, Alex Griffith does not want to offer evidence against Paul.

The court was also informed that Griffith, who was 15-years-old when the incident occurred, has been compensated for his injuries in the sum of $2M.

Paul was on trial for discharging a loaded firearm at Griffith on April 30, 2014, in Georgetown with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

Reports had indicated that on the day in question, Paul’s sister was robbed and he took her to the police station to make a report. After the report was made, Griffith was arrested by a party of policemen, among whom was Cadet Officer Paul. It was then, according to allegations, that Paul placed a firearm in Griffith’s mouth and fired a shot.

Griffith received injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

Paul has been a member of the Force since 2008 and was interdicted during the course of the court case.