AN EAST Ruimveldt, Georgetown man, who allegedly left an unlicensed firearm in a taxi, was on Thursday charged with illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

Jose Atwell, 21, of Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is alleged that on May 15, 2017 at Georgetown, Attwell had a 9mm pistol in his possession when he is not the holder of a firearm licence. It is further alleged that on the same date and location, he had 14 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Arwin Moore told the court that the accused was a passenger in a taxi and after he was dropped at the location, the taxi driver noticed that the man left a firearm in the passenger seat of the car.

The taxi driver drove his vehicle to the Ruimveldt Police Station and reported the matter. The taxi driver took the police to the location where he had dropped off the man.

According to Moore, when contacted by the police, Atwell admitted that the gun belonged to him. Moore objected to the accused being allowed his pre-trial liberty, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. He argued too that no special reasons were raised by the accused for bail.

Bail was denied and he was remanded until June 7, 2017 when he will appear before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore.