ACTING Chief Magistrate, Priya-Sewnarine-Beharry, responding to complaints, by Defence Counsel Glenn Hanoman, in the recent Rupununi arms cache case, yesterday ordered that the lone defendant be taken for medical attention.

She also instructed the Prosecutor, Police Sergeant Winneth Hubbard to investigate the claims of violence used against 19-year-old Benedict Thompson, since he has visible marks and charges be proffered.
Meantime, the teenager (no address given) was remanded to prison until December 4.
He faced charges of being in possession of a quantity of ammunition and AK-47 riffles, to all of which he pleaded not guilty.
Particulars of the offences said, on October 1, at Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, he had 389 live 7.62 x 39 rounds and, the same day, four AK-47s along with seven M15 rifles, one AK-47 drum magazine and two anti-riot grenades, without being the holder of a firearm licence.
Sergeant Hubbard said, that day, the police received certain information and went to a location where the defendant was seen with an AK-47 in his hands.

More ammunition
On his being questioned, the prosecutor said it was revealed that Thompson was not licensed to carry the weapon and he, later, led the police to where more ammunition and firearms were unearthed.
Mr. Hanoman told the court that the prosecutor was correct to say that the police unearthed the ammunition and firearms because Thompson had no knowledge of them, he being merely a worker at the location.
The lawyer said he is aware that police are searching for the person by whom the defendant is employed.
In the meantime, however, Hanoman said Thompson suffered a beating by the police and was severely injured. But, although it was reported, nothing came out of it nor was anything done about a request for medical attention.
Counsel also said Police Corporal Inniss was pointed out as the person who placed a belt around Thompson’s  neck and choked him, forcing him to sign something.
According to Hanoman, the police were waiting until Thompson’s injuries heal before taking him to court and he questioned whether there is any ballistic report to verify that the guns are in working condition.
The case will be called, again, at Lethem Court, in Rupununi, as well.