CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday, remanded a 30-year-old labourer to prison after he denied that he had an unlicensed firearm in his pants pocket when he was searched by the police.

Richie Richards of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly having a 9.22 pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence, on January 3, 2022, at Stone Avenue.

The police prosecutor told the court that, on the day in question at about 17:00 hours, police ranks who were part of a mobile patrol saw Richards walking along Stone Avenue.

The ranks stopped Richards, who was acting in a suspicious manner, and searched him. The police allegedly found the empty 9.22 pistol in his side pants pocket. It is alleged that under caution he admitted ownership, and told the police that he does not have a firearm licence.

He was arrested and taken to the Kitty Police Station, where he was later charged.

The prosecutor objected to Richards being released on bail citing the prevalence and seriousness of the charge.

As such, the Chief Magistrate remanded Richards to prison until January 26.