Pemberton was allegedly stopped in Duffs Bottom on February 20, 2011, where a .380 pistol and 7 matching rounds and 8.0 grams of cannabis were found in the centre console of the purple Chevrolet Cavalier. It was alleged that .9 gram of cannabis was also found in the defendant’s left rear pocket.

The trial commenced today, Monday November 21, 2011 with two police witnesses, Dean Robin and Inspector Gumbs, taking the stand to be questioned by Pemberton’s lawyer Stephen Daniels.

Officer Robin testified that himself and other officers of the Tactical Unit of the Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were on mobile patrol on the day in question conducting stop and search operations in the Duff’s Bottom area when Pemberton was observed parking the said vehicle alongside the road.

The defendant, according to Officer Dean, was told to exit the vehicle when it was searched. Mr. Daniels told the witness that the defendant was behind the vehicle when the search was conducted but the witness insisted that he was with the defendant at the side of the vehicle.

Mr. Daniels also asked the witness if he may have extracted fingerprint residue when opening the lid to the console of the vehicle but said he was not sure. He also asked if the firearm and the plastic bag containing the cannabis were checked for fingerprints to which he replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, Mr. Daniels sought to confirm from the witness if he was aware that the defendant had picked up the rental vehicle at the Administration Complex parking lot and that it was left there unlocked by one Mr. Smith of Sea Cows Bay. The witness also said Mr. Smith had reported the same information.

The trial will continue on January 13, 2012.