A 33-YEAR-OLD electrician was remanded to prison on Thursday by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for allegedly shooting at a shop-owner during an argument over money.It is alleged that on July 6, at Oronoque Street, Pilbert McPherson of Lot 707 ‘B’ Field Sophia, Georgetown discharged a loaded firearm towards Ernes Barnwell with intent to main, disfigure, or disable him.

McPherson’s denied the charge while his lawyer, Euclin Gomes contended that the virtual complainant (VC) opted to have the matter withdrawn against his client; however Barnwell was not present in court to corroborate the lawyer’s claim.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, both men are known to each other since the VC operated a shop in the area. On the day in question, the two men had a heated argument over money which McPherson owed the shop owner.

It is alleged that the defendant became annoyed and discharged a round at Barnwell. The Prosecutor strongly opposed bail based on the seriousness and penalty attached to the charge. Bail was refused and McPherson was remanded to prison until July 16.

In another matter a labourer was shot three times to his body following an argument with another man during a gambling spree at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara on Monday.

Steve Benjamin, 30, of Canal Number One Polder, is nursing gunshot wounds to his upper back and is said to be in serious condition.

According to information received, Benjamin was in the midst of a few men when an argument broke out in connection with non-payments of bids. One of the men reportedly got annoyed, pulled out a hand gun and shot Benjamin three times before escaping.

The others reportedly scattered as the gunshots went off. The injured man was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
The Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident.