ANTHONIO Hawker, who was allegedly found with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition in his possession, on Friday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The 18-year-old South Ruimveldt resident pleaded not guilty to the two charges and will make his second court appearance on July 9, 2021.

The charge states that Hawker, on June 7, 2021, at High Palm Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, had in his possession a .38 Taurus revolver and four live matching rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

It is alleged that on the day in question, at about 16:30 hours, police, who were on motorcycle patrol duty, saw two males on motorcycle CK6414, riding at a fast rate. In response to their observation, they signalled to Hawker, who was the driver, to stop. Hawker, failed to comply and kept riding. The ranks gave chase and Hawker eventually lost control of the motor cycle.

Police conducted a search on both young men who were lying on the side of the road and reportedly observed a firearm in Hawker’s crotch. He was arrested and later charged.