Taxi driver, miner granted bail on illegal ammo possession

Jul 24, 2018 News

A taxi driver and a miner who were allegedly caught with 49 rounds of ammunition hidden under a vehicle engine were yesterday granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each after they were charged with possession of illegal ammunition.
Sherwin Christian, 28, of Sand Riverstone Essequibo; and Hayland Handy, 40 of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo; appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
It is alleged that both men on July 18, last, at the Police Outpost on Barama Road, Essequibo, had in their possession 49 rounds of .38 ammunition without being holders of firearm license.
Both men were charged separately and they both denied the allegation after it was read to them by the Chief Magistrate.
Christian was represented by Attorney-at-law Trenton Lake while Handy was represented by Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon.
Both lawyers in application to secure bail for their clients told the court that the issue of special circumstances arises since multiple persons have access to the vehicle since they take turn working a shift system.
The lawyers added that when the vehicle is parked, it is unsecure since the handles are not working; hence they argued that anyone could have accessed the vehicle and placed the ammunition inside.
Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, had no objection to bail being granted to the defendants but asked that conditions be attached.
According to the facts, on the day in question, about 16:50 hrs, ranks acting on information, intercepted motor pick-up PHH 222 at 70Km Police Outpost Barama Road.
A search was conducted on the said vehicle engine area and a black plastic bag was unearthed in the air filter compartment.
Further checks revealed a box containing 49 rounds of .38 live ammunition. Both men were told of the offence and they denied ownership of the ammunitions, hence they were arrested and taken into custody.
The Magistrate, after listening to the both sides, granted both men bail in the sum of $150,000 each.
They were instructed to report every Friday at the Bartica Police Station pending the outcome of the trial.
Both men are to make their next court appearance on August 9 at the Bartica Magistrates’ Courts.

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