The High Court in Solomon Islands has refused bail to the sacked Agriculture Minister, Alex Bartlett.
Mr Bartlett faces charges of demanding money with menaces, false pretences, arson, inciting others to commit arson, and the possession of a firearm with ammunition.
Solomon Islands radio reports that Justice John Brown
pointed out that police had confiscated a shotgun at Mr Bartlett's home when he was arrested earlier this month.
Justice Brown said that to find a man of such a position in possession of a shot gun after so much publicity and community pressure to hand in guns during various amnesty periods reflects an attitude disregarding the community's wish for a gun-free Solomon Islands.
