An East Ruimveldt youth was yesterday remanded to prison on gun and ammunition possession charges, which were brought against him after he allegedly left a loaded gun in a taxi.
Jose Atwell, 21, yesterday stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown and pleaded not guilty to a charge which stated that on May 15, he had a 9mm pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence in his possession.
Atwell, who was unrepresented, was also read a second charge, which stated that on the same day he had 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition in his possession. He also pleaded not guilty to this charge.
Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail. He told the court that Atwell was arrested after he exited a taxi and the driver observed that something was left behind. When the taxi driver checked, he noticed a gun along with matching ammunition.
According to Moore, the driver took his car to the East Ruimveldt Police Station and made a report.
Police officers retrieved the weapon and later asked the driver to take them to where he had dropped off the accused. Moore said that at the location, the police contacted Atwell and he admitted to them that the weapon was his.
The prosecutor also informed the court that a caution statement from the accused was taken by the police.
Atwell, who seemed confused by the claim that a caution statement was taken from him, was later refused bail by the Chief Magistrate, who fixed his next hearing for June 7, when the matter will be called before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court 5.
