SIXTEEN WEEKS after his first court appearance, 22-year-old Regel Quasie Allick reappeared in court charged for the murder of Damian So'Brien.

Allick, of Cotton Hill, St Clair, is accused of killing So'Brien on May 16. Allick was hospitalised, for the period, nursing gunshot injuries. The tradesman was arrested on May 17, after a shootout with two transit police officers on George Street, Port of Spain. He, however, came to court five weeks after that date.

Allick, who has been crippled by the injuries he sustained during his arrest, was brought into court last Friday in a wheelchair with the assistance of police officers. Allick sat behind the prisoner's dock, listening as Cpl Harrichan Mahase as he gave his evidence. Mahase of the Belmont Police Station was later cross-examined by defence attorney Mario Merritt.

Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls also transferred all of the gun-related offences against Allick to the Port of Spain 4B Court.

Allick is also charged with eight gun-related offences, including shooting at PC Nigel Wilson with the intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Wilson was reported to have been shot in both legs and abdomen.

So'Brien was shot dead at the home of his friend, Charlotte Elias, at Belle Vue Estate, on Ariapita Road in St Ann's. The 36-year-old real estate agent, of Bayshore, Westmoorings, was shot once in the head and died at the scene. The matter was then adjourned to October 15.

When Allick's name was called at the 4B Court, Magistrate Avason Quinlan adjourned the matter to October 15, since the charges against Allick had not yet been forwarded to her court.