An elderly miner was on Monday jailed for two years and fined $100,000 after he pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

Michael Green, 63, of Duncan Street, Kitty, Georgetown was sentenced by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan after he admitted that on June 17, 2017 at Iruma Backdam, Cuyuni River he had a 9mm pistol when he is not a licensed firearm holder.

The man further confessed that on the same day and location, he had 23 rounds of matching ammunition. Green did not have legal representation and was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each charge, however it will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, Green was also charged with use of threatening behaviour towards Vanessa Samuels on June 17, 2017 at Iruma Backdam, Cuyuni River.  He pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000 and in default, will serve six weeks imprisonment.

Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore told the court that on June 17, 2017 at about 19:30 hrs, the police went to a campsite at Iruma Backdam Cuyuni River following a report of threatening behavior made by Samuels.

While at the campsite, ranks observed Green sitting in a hammock and putting a silver and black object in a carton box next to him. The police contacted the defendant and carried out a search whereby the gun and ammunition were found.

The prosecutor disclosed to the court that the defendant is in the habit of abusing Samuels, who is a cook attached to the camp. The court heard that Green had discharged several rounds in the air in an effort to scare the woman.

Green however told the court that the gun was bought to protect his camp since he was previously robbed.