A BOAT operator appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.
Leroy Benjamin, 51, of Grant Pomeroon, Essequibo River pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged that on May 29, 2017 at Barakat Landing, Puruni River, he had a .32 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 one live round of .32 ammunition. His lawyer, Trenton Lake told the court that the firearm was not found in his client’s possession. But Police Prosecutor, Inspector Shellon Daniels said that the weapon was found in the crotch of the accused during a search by the police.
According to a police report,at about 11:30hrs, the ranks were on a “river patrol” when they observed the boat operator acting in a suspicious manner after he saw them.
The ranks then decided to conduct a search, when they found an unlicensed .32 pistol with a matching round. The Prosecutor objected to Benjamin being allowed his pre-trial liberty; citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence.
Magistrate Latchman remanded the accused and transferred the matter to Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan for June 1.
Boat operator remanded on gun, ammo charges
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