Manning v. State

Ray Thornton, Justice.

Clarence Manning, appellant, was convicted by bench trial of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use, and simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm. He appeals only the simultaneous possession conviction, arguing that, under the statutory defense, the guns found at his home were not “readily accessible for use.” After careful consideration of the meaning of this phrase, we disagree, and affirm.

Manning was arrested and charged with the offenses after four police officers executed a search…