Miner remanded on firearm charges

A 37-year-old man who was charged with having in his possession a firearm and ammunition without licence in the hinterland was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

On September 16 at Konawaruk Junction, Potaro-Siparuni, it is alleged that Kidore Mendonza had in his possession one Smith and Wesson revolver and three .38 rounds of ammunition without being a holder of a licence.

The accused who resides at Tumatumari, Region Eight, denied both of the charges when they were read to him.

In presenting the facts of the case, Police Prosecutor Lionel Harvey said that on the day in question at about 16:00 hrs, ranks were conducting a police patrol when they observed the defendant who went to a pick-up, removed the weapon from under his shirt and placed it in the vehicle. Harvey stated that the police then went to the vehicle and when they conducted a search they discovered the weapon mentioned in the charge.

Attorney James Bond who represented the miner made an application for bail. He noted that the gun was not found on his client but in a vehicle, which was occupied by several other persons. Bond raised concerns stating that several other persons were arrested but only his client was charged. He also stressed that the vehicle does not belong to his client who is charged for the current offence.

The application made by the attorney was denied and the accused was remanded to prison until the matter is called again on October 19.