Two men were charged in court yesterday with murdering a police officer last week.

Andrew Gibson, 28, who was dragged to court without shoes and 22-year-old Clemison Edgecombe were charged with murdering police reservist Dennis Clarke.

The 55-year-old was gunned down outside of the Superwash Laundromat on Prince Charles Drive on May 31.

He was the country’s 61st murder victim for the year.

The pair was also charged with armed robbery.

Police said the men, armed with handguns, held up Clarke and stole his $1,000 gold chain.

Edgecombe was also charged with another armed robbery.

According to court dockets, on May 17, Edgecombe robbed Pedro Brennen of a $400 gold chain and cash.

The men were not required to enter a plea to any of the charges.

They were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez.

But attorneys representing the accused had a lot to say.

Attorney Stanley Rolle, who represents Gibson, lamented that his client was mistreated.

“There is no reason why a Bahamian should have to come to court without shoes,” he said. “When I saw him yesterday he had perfectly enclosed shoes and now today he has none. There is no excuse for that especially when his mother is right outside the court’s doors with his shoes.”

Mr. Rolle also alleged that police beat his client.

Edgecombe’s attorney Tonique Lewis also complained that her client was mistreated.

She claimed that he was beaten and forced to sign off on an interview with police.

“I was not present for the interview and I was not contacted even though I left my number,” she said.

Chief Magistrate Gomez said he will note the attorneys’ complaints.
He also ordered that both men see a doctor immediately.

Meantime, both men were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP.)

They will return to court on August 22 for a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

This will return fast forward the case to the Supreme Court.