D’Urban Backlands businessman remanded on gun, ammo charges

A businessman was remanded to prison on Friday after he appeared in a city court charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

It is alleged that on February 4, Dorian Rodrigues, of Lot 148 D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, had in his possession a .38 revolver without having a firearm licence in force at the time. It is also alleged that on the same day he had four rounds of live .38 ammunition in his possession.

Rodrigues pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.

Dorian Rodrigues
Dorian Rodrigues

Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that police, acting on information received, went to the Rodrigues’ home, where he handed over the revolver and ammunition. When questioned if he was a licensed firearm holder, Rodrigues admitted that he was not, the prosecutor added.

Grant objected to bail based on the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence and noted that special reasons must be provided to the court for it to be granted.

The unrepresented Rodrigues was subsequently refused bail and the case was adjourned to February 16.