COMPTON Paul, 69, was remanded to prison yesterday on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
The defendant, of Lot 56 New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, on December 13, he had a 12-gauge Winchester shotgun without being the holder of a firearm licence. Police Inspector Stephen Telford, prosecuting, who successfully objected to bail, after Defence Counsel Michael Somersall said Paul was not aware he had to get permission to import it, contended that ignorance of Guyana laws is no excuse.
The Prosecutor said the defendant is a licensed firearm holder in Canada and shipped the gun to Guyana without seeking permission from the relevant authorities. It was discovered at Muneshwers Wharf.
Somersall said Paul, who has to remain incarcerated until December 17, has no criminal intent and had informed an immigration officer about the weapon.