A VENEZUELAN national appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, yesterday, to answer a possession of firearm charge. Joel Pereira Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the offence that said at Aurora Backdam, Cuyuni River, he had in his possession one .38 snug nose revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence.
Police corporal Bharat Mangru told the court that on the day in question, at Aurora Backdam, the suspect was in his boat when he was approached by John Gobin, whom he owed $36,000. An argument ensued between the two parties and Rodriguez pointed a gun in Gobin’s direction. The victim became afraid and reported the matter to the police.
Mangru said around 14:00hrs the police contacted the defendant and a search was conducted on his person when a gun was discovered in his ¾ pants pocket. He was told of the offence and subsequently arrested and charged.
According to the defendant, he had the revolver because of the work he does.
Chief Magistrate asked Rodriguez his purpose in Guyana and he responded that he came to work as a boat captain.
The matter is set for recall on December 11.