ARMED police officers stood guard yesterday as the man who allegedly defied their colleagues two weeks ago to shoot murder accused Peter Garcia appeared in court.

Accused Sherwin Shawn Wilson, Garcia’s cousin, told of death threats being made against him.

’When he comes to the Maximum Security Prison, he will be dealt with just like Peter,’ was the message, his attorney Selwyn Ramlal said, was relayed to his client through family members.

Wilson stood with two police officers at his side in the prisoner’s dock as Senior Magistrate Indra Ramoo-Haynes read the charge that he and other persons, not yet arrested, killed Garcia at Rio Claro on October 19.

Less than an hour earlier Wilson had been transported to the court in a police van which drove into the holding bay below the court. No one was allowed to walk past the barricades which cordoned off Harris Street, San Fernando, before and even hours after the matter was called.

Before the First Court, ASP Cecil Santana stood guard at the entrance to the closed door of the dock. Inspector Clarence Boodram was also present. Several officers also stood to the entrance of the court.

No prisoners with matters before the magistrates court were brought from Remand Yard.

Ramlal said his client, a 36-year-old straightener and painter of Rio Claro, was satisfied with the security measures taken.

The man whom Wilson is accused of killing was shot on the doorstep of the Rio Claro Magistrates Court. He was handcuffed and being escorted by police officers when he was shot by men dressed as construction workers. Garcia had been charged with the murder of businessman Simboonath Kumar as well as with intent to murder Wilson.

Wilson’s attorney Selwyn Ramlal requested full disclosure from the officer who laid the charge Sgt Anderson Parriman. He asked for the arrest record, the time, place and circumstances under which the cautions were issued, any oral or written interviews conducted on the accused and diary extracts.

Ramlal also said he wanted to view footage from security cameras in and around the Rio Claro Magistrates court before it is ’wiped away’. He said his client gave swabs voluntarily to police officers and he also wanted this to form part of the information given by the police officer.

Wilson was arrested at Piarco International Airport last Friday.

Ramoo-Haynes transferred the matter to the Rio Claro Magistrates’ Court for next week Tuesday.