A minibus conductor was yesterday accused of being found with a Kel-Tec rifle in his possession.
Dexter Hopkinson, 19, of ‘C’ Field Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition while not being the holder of a gun licence.
It was alleged at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court that on September 29, at Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Hopkinson had in his possession a 9mm Kel-Tec rifle and 10 rounds of matching ammunition while not being the holder of a firearm licence.
The rifle was initially suspected to have been the weapon used in the execution of Essequibo businesswoman Shelliza Basir-Lall but police ballistic tests later proved otherwise.
When asked by Magistrate Judy Latchman whether he had any other matters in court, Hopkinson said that he currently has an ongoing matter at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery but he noted that he has never been convicted.
Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to bail, stating that no special reasons were given by Hopkinson.
He added that given the fact that there is an ongoing matter of a similar nature where a firearm was used, it is likely that if granted bail Hopkinson may not return for trial.
As a result, Magistrate Latchman refused bail and Hopkinson was remanded to prison until October 23.
