Friends remanded over gun, ammo found in hotel room

Two friends were yesterday remanded to prison on firearm and ammunition charges.

Mark Lee Young, 39, of Newtown, Kitty and Jamal Arlington Henry, 22, of 857 Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, were read joint charges by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown.

The first charge stated that on October 11, at Queen Street, Kitty, they had a .38 revolver in their possession, without being licensed firearm holders.

It was further alleged that they also had six live .38 rounds of ammunition in their possession without being the holders of a firearm licence.

Both men denied the charges.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers stated that on the day in question, the police conducted a search on a hotel room, where the defendants were found  and the firearm and ammunition were discovered in a bag on the bed in the room. The men were then told of the crime and Lee Young allegedly said that the bag belonged to Henry, while Henry said that the bag belonged to both of them.

Lee Young, who reportedly operates a car rental service, was represented by attorney George Thomas, who said the gun and ammo were found in a bag which were claimed by Henry, not his client.

Both men were subsequently remanded to prison.

They will make their next court appearance before Magistrate Judy Latchman on November 6.