A police officer serving a prison sentence for firing a gun in public has been refused bail by the High Court.
Justice Stanley John ruled that the High Court cannot grant bail in such cases, adding that applications must be made to the Court of Appeal.
Karim Warner, 37, was sentenced to one year in prison on 1 October by Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel. The conviction relates to an incident on 3 December 2023 near Emerald Cove Resort, Willikies, where Warner allegedly fired 12 rounds at a car during a dispute over a leased vehicle.
Court evidence said Warner blocked the vehicle with his Lexus and ordered the occupants out before firing at the car, damaging the rear door, trunk, and front wheel. The female passenger told the court she was so frightened she urinated on herself.
Warner claimed he was protecting his property, but the magistrate said firing 12 rounds was “highly excessive.” Warner broke down in tears following the guilty verdict.
His appeal will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.
