Man remanded over illegal gun, ammo and armed robbery

A man who was charged with having illegal firearm and ammunition in his possession and stealing a little over $1 million in items, was remanded to prison last week when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Neil Semple, 39, was read two separate charges which alleged that on October 11, at South Ruimveldt, he had in his possession a .32 pistol and 11 matching rounds of ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.

It is also alleged that on September 30, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, being armed with a gun, Semple robbed Reeta Aracan of an Apple iPhone valued $100,000, $700,000 and other articles, having a total value of $1,060,000.

Semple, of Lot 73 South Ruimveldt Gardens, pleaded not guilty to the three allegations made against him.

An objection to bail was made by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves who cited that no special reasons had been mentioned by the defendant for the court to grant bail. He further stated that the defendant gave a different address from that mentioned in court.

Additionally, the prosecutor stated that bail ought not to be granted given the prevalence of the offence and the fact that a gun was used in the robbery.

The defendant was subsequently remanded to prison by Magistrate Latchman and the matter adjourned to November 2 when it will be heard by the chief magistrate.