A 27-year-old taxi driver was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with having an unlicensed gun, which the police say he stashed in his pants crotch.
The charge against Samuel Adams of Lot 9 Dennis Street, Sophia is that on December 29 at Festival City Exit, North Ruimveldt, he had in his possession an unlicensed 9mm pistol. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry before whom he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Police Prosecutor Michael Grant said that on the day in question, police acting on information received, went to the North Ruimveldt Exit where they saw two cars parked; one bearing registration PRR 367 with Adams in the driver’s seat.
The court heard that Adams was approached and informed by the police that they wanted to carry out a search on him since they had received information that he was in possession of a firearm.
According to Grant, during the search, police found the pistol in the defendant’s pants’ crotch. The father of one was told of the offence, arrested and charged.
Attorney Peter Hugh, who represented Adams, told the court that the alleged firearm was found in the car and not anywhere on his client’s person, as stated by the prosecution.
Counsel contended that several other persons were also in the car and questioned why only his client was facing charges. The prosecutor however said that at the time of the find, the accused was the only person in the vehicle.
Grant objected to bail citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence.
After hearing both sides, the magistrate refused bail and adjourned the matter for January 7.
