Shot labourer remanded for illegal gun, ammo

A 25-year-old labourer, who was shot last week by a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was on Friday slapped with three charges and remanded to prison.
Shemar Bobb of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, was hauled before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The first charge stated that on March 27 at East La Penitence, Georgetown, he had in his possession a firearm when he was not a holder of a firearm licence.
It was alleged that on the same day at the same location, he discharged the firearm at Trenton Webb with the intention to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.
The last charge stated that on the same day at the same location, he had in his possession 14 live rounds of ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.
Bobb pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.
His lawyer, George Thomas, in an unsuccessful bail application told the court that the police mistook Bobb for someone named “Osafo Johnson” and shot him.
The lawyer further stated that his client was with family members when ranks showed up and began discharging rounds in the air. The lawyer in the bail application stated that a policeman then shot his client to the leg after which he was rushed to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell informed the court that Bobb was wanted for a series of robberies. She added that on March 27, ranks received information that he was at East La Penitence and went to arrest him.
Prosecutor Brummell objected to bail, citing the seriousness and nature of the offences.
Magistrate Bess remanded Bobb to prison. The case will continue on May 11.