Taxi driver remanded for gun possession

Jun 25, 2008 News

A taxi driver has been remanded to prison after he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The accused, 20-year-old Damian Singh, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton.

It is alleged that on June 20, Singh, who lives at 264 Independence Boulevard, had in his possession one .22 Berretta pistol.

It is also alleged that on the same day he had in his possession one .22 Berretta round of ammunition. Singh pleaded not guilty to both charges.

He was represented by defense counsel Deborah Backer, who, in making a bail application, told the court that the case was brought against her client because of a soured relationship. She told the court that Singh drives taxi for a living and does construction work part-time.

Backer said that, given the fact that the offense is a bailable one, she thinks bail should be granted in a reasonable amount.

She also told the court that neither the weapon nor the ammunition was found on her client.
However, Police Prosecutor Deneashwar Nauth told the court that the weapon along with the ammunition was found in Singh’s pants waist.

He objected to bail, after asking to magistrate to take into consideration the prevalence of gun crimes. Singh is expected to make his next court appearance on August 29.