Bartica man remanded over semi-automatic gun

A man who allegedly had in his possession an unlicensed firearm was remanded to prison when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Julian McKenzie of Third Street, Bartica pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a quantity of ammunition when Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton read them to him.

It is alleged that on July 13, at Third Street, Bartica, Essequibo River, McKenzie had in his possession a 132 semi-automatic weapon, without being the holder of a firearm licence. Also on the said date, the man allegedly had nine rounds of live ammunition.

An application for bail was made by attorney-at-law Peter Hugh, but was subsequently refused.

The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for August 6.