A 19-YEAR-OLD miner was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a charge of illegal gun and ammunition possession. He made an appearance before Magistrate Leroy Daley in a City Court.O’Neil Melbourne of La Grange, West Demerara, Essequibo pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that on August 2, at Arau Mountain Top, Essequibo he had a 12 gauge shotgun in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

It was further alleged that on the same day at the said place he had three live rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition in his possession without being the holder of a licence.

Melbourne also denied this charge while his lawyer requested for him to be released on reasonable bail.

According to the lawyer, on the day in question Melbourne along with another miner was walking through the jungle area from their camp to another.

The lawyer further disclosed that while walking along the jungle trail the other person saw the police and handed Melbourne the shotgun.

“The police saw my client holding the gun and arrested him” the lawyer told the court.

Police Prosecutor, Kevin London related to the court that Melbourne under caution told the officer “Ah get this gun from one of meh soulja.” The prosecutor stressed that the teen confessed to the police that the shotgun was his.

Magistrate Daley remanded the teen to prison and instructed him to return to court on September 5, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.