The security guard who allegedly had in his possession one .32 Walther pistol and six matching rounds of ammunition was yesterday remanded to prison after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
The two charges against 25-year-old Mark Skidder state that on January 26th at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, he had in his possession a .32 silver and black Walther pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence. He was also charged with having six matching rounds of .32 ammunition. Skidder pleaded not guilty to both charges and Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus then remanded the man to prison. The matter was adjourned until February 20th.
In a release to the press, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that ranks conducted an intelligence led-operation and at about 21:00hrs they went to the said address and made contact with Skidder who was at the front gate of a residence and who identified himself as a security guard. The officers identified themselves and told the man that they were there to conduct a search for a firearm and ammunition based on ‘certain information’ that they received. A search was carried out on Skidder and the firearm and matching ammunition were found in the crotch of his pants.
The police said that the accused was asked if he was licensed to carry a firearm to which he replied in the negative. However, under caution, Skidder told them that he had the gun for his own protection. Skidder, along with the gun and ammunition were taken to the Kitty Police Station where the weapon and ammunition was lodged.
