Two Brazilian nationals accused of having an unlicensed gun in their possession were yesterday remanded to prison when they appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The allegation against Isaque Ribeiro De Oliverio, 24, and Oziel Da Santos Viera, 28, is that on July 12 at Takutu Bridge, Lethem, Central Rupununi, they had in their possession one 20-gauge, single barrel shotgun without licence.
The jointly-charged duo through their interpreter denied the charge when it was read to them.
No facts of what transpired on the day in question were presented.
Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to the men being granted their pretrial liberty on the grounds that there were no special circumstances for granting same.
The prosecution contended also that since the defendants have no local addresses, there is a likelihood that if granted bail they would not return to court to stand trial.
Defence Counsel, Latchmie Rahamat however challenged the merit of both of her clients being charged for unlawful possession of a single gun.
Arguing that her clients are innocent of the charge levelled against them, Rahamat said also that no firearm was ever found on the men and that they reside close to Lethem.
She contended that the fact that her clients have retained legal representation indicates their intention to vigorously vindicate their names of the charges.
Rahamat failed in her attempt to secure her clients pretrial liberty and they were remanded to prison and ordered to return to court today for their matter to be reassigned to the court which will be conducting the trial.
