A FORTY-year-old businessman was Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, after he was charged with having an unlicensed gun and ammunition. 

The illegal gun and ammo were allegedly found during a police raid at his home.
Ravinauth Rampersaud of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 15 at Block ‘Z’ Schoonord, he had in his possession one .38 Taurus revolver with 33 live matching rounds, while not being the holder of a firearm licence.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that the police acting on information went to the defendant’s home and conducted a search in the presence of the defendant and his wife; the gun and ammunition were found in the closet, according to the prosecutor. The prosecutor added that when the defendant’s wife was shown the revolver and ammunition, she denied having knowledge of them and the defendant admitted that they belonged to him.
Objecting to bail, Prosecutor Mangru cited the nature, prevalence and gravity of the offence as well as the penalty attached thereto.
Rampersaud was represented by Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith, who informed the court that his client had twice applied for a firearm licence over the past 10 years, but was denied, which caused him to buy the illegal weapon.
Burch-Smith told the court that the father of two is a well- known businessman in the West Demerara area and has never been before the court, nor has he ever been arrested.
He noted that Rampersaud and his wife are currently going through divorce proceedings and had been threatened by her, that she would get him into trouble with the police.
The attorney told the court that his client is not a flight risk, pointing out that Rampersaud has sufficient assets such as several stalls in the Bourda Market.
Bail was refused and the defendant will remain on remand until January 19, while the matter will being transferred to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court.