Essequibian remanded on gun, ammo charges

An Essequibo Coast man was taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to answer to illegal gun and ammunition charges.

Deodat Singh, 27, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on September 18, 2016, at Black Water Landing, Essequibo River, he had in his possession one .38 firearm along with 12 matching rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Singh’s Attorney made a bail request, stating that the gun and ammunition were found in the defendant’s supermarket, which several persons could have accessed.

He noted that the Police Officers who carried out the search were aware several persons were present at the time in the supermarket, which was open for business.

However, the prosecution contended that on the day in question, the defendant led the Officers to the weapon and ammunition that were locked in a barrel and told them, “I take it to protect myself.”

Upon hearing this, the defendant, in an animated outburst, said, “I don’t even have a barrel in my shop.”

The bail application was denied, and the defendant was remanded to prison. The case will continue on September 26, 2016.