Dr Jephthah Ford was freed yesterday after the Crown failed to prove charges of illegal possession of firearm and shooting with intent against him.

He was accused of discharging his licensed firearm while he and some policemen had an altercation at a function at Fun Citi, Portmore, St Catherine, on April 8, 2007.

Ford contended that he was severely beaten during the incident, handcuffed and taken to a police station.

The policemen in their testimony gave different versions as to how the gun was fired.

One of the policemen said that Ford's licensed firearm was fired in the air when they tried to take it from him.

Another policeman testified in the Gun Court that it was while Ford was taking the gun from his waist that an explosion was heard. The policeman said the gun was not pointed at anyone.

Exchanges ensued between Justice Donald McIntosh and the defence lawyers as to the inconsistencies in the Crown's case. There were legal arguments that the Crown did not prove the charges against Ford.

Ford's lawyers complained to the judge that while the trial was taking place, a policeman had threatened Ford.

McIntosh directed that statements in relation to the alleged threat be collected and sent to the commissioner of police. The judge ordered that a copy of the statement be given to him.