Former Hamilton alderman Carlton Simmons denied a charge of attempted murder in Supreme Court yesterday.

The 40-year-old was accused of the attempted murder of Jahkeil Samuels on August 12, in Ambiance Lounge, owned by Mr Simmons, on Angle Street, Hamilton.

At the monthly Supreme Court arraignments session yesterday, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons set a trial date of February 26 next year.

Mr Simmons was released on bail until that date.

Also yesterday, Dion Cholmondeley, 33, of St George’s, admitted possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Cholmondeley pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a Glock 9mm handgun and a second of having four rounds of 9mm ammunition on August 15 in Warwick.

Mrs Justice Simmons ordered that a Social Inquiry Report must be carried out.

Cholmondeley was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.

In addition, Jahmico Trott and Troy Burgess, both 29, denied charges of attempted murder and using a firearm to commit an indictable offence.

Mr Trott also denied carrying a firearm with criminal intent and handling a firearm.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on May 14 in Pembroke.

The two were remanded in custody for trial next February.

Later in the session Charmari Burns admitted a charge of importing cocaine to the island last October, but denied possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Crown counsel Carrington Mahoney accepted the plea.

A Social Inquiry Report was ordered on Burns and he will return to Supreme Court next month for a sentencing date to be set.

In a separate incident, Dwayne George Watson pleaded not guilty to conspiring to import cocaine to the island and possessing cocaine with intent to supply on September 1.

The case is expected to return to the courts on October 18 for mention.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.