A 27-year-old taxi driver and father of one, will be spending the new year behind bars after he was on Friday remanded to prison for allegedly having two illegal firearms in his possession.

Michael Jacobis of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was hauled before Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The particulars of the charges outlined that on December 12, at Mandela Avenue, Jacobis was found in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol and a .38 revolver, without holding a valid firearm licence.

During the court proceedings, Jacobis’ attorney, Keoma Griffith, submitted an application for reasonable bail.

However, the police prosecutor strongly objected, contending that the defence did not present any special reasons for bail.

The prosecutor further informed the court that the firearms were discovered in Jacobis’ bag, and he confessed on camera to being the rightful owner of the weapons.

However, Jacobis’ attorney disputed the prosecutor’s claims, asserting that his client had entered the hire car in question and occupied the front passenger seat.

Griffith highlighted that two other passengers were present in the taxi, and the firearms were discovered at the back of the vehicle.

Additionally, Griffith clarified that Jacobis was not the owner of the car.

Regarding the purported video confession, Griffith reminded the court that matters related to confessions need to be proven through a specific process.

He requested that this particular piece of evidence be disregarded for the time being.

Despite the defence’s arguments, Magistrate Weever upheld the prosecutor’s objections, leading to Jacobis being remanded to prison until January 26, 2024.