The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE trial into charges of ammunition possession brought against former Senator John Bostwick Jr will start in September, his legal counsel said yesterday.

Lawyer John Bostwick Sr confirmed that his client, who is also his son, will stand trial on September 15 and 16.

Mr Bostwick, Jr, was charged in Magistrates Court last week Monday with possession of ammunition. 

He pleaded not guilty and was granted $9,000 bail.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis revoked Mr Bostwick Jr’s position as a senator “with immediate effect” on May 21, when Mr Bostwick, acting on legal advice, declined to resign.

Dr Minnis said it was difficult to ask for the resignation of someone he “loved like a son”, but he had to think about what was best for the country.

According to a statement released by Mr Bostwick Jr’s legal counsel, the former senator was prepared to resign last week Monday, the day he was arraigned on ammunition charges, but changed his mind.

“On the morning of his arraignment, John Bostwick, at his request, had letters of resignation prepared and brought to him for his signature. However, on the advice of independent counsel and other senior advisors he did not tender the same as it was felt that doing so could have the appearance of an admission of guilt when he pleaded not guilty,” the statement said.

“Despite the legal decision he was advised to make, Mr Bostwick respects the office of a Parliamentarian and recognises that the leader of the FNM and the party must do what they have to do and he thanks them and all other well-wishers for their continued prayers and support. Mr Bostwick remains a born Free Nationalist.”

The former senator was the FNM’s pick to replace Zhivargo Laing after his resignation from the upper chamber on December 31, 2012.

Mr Bostwick was also the FNM’s Bain and Grants Town candidate during the May 2012 general election, but lost to National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage.