A security guard was on Friday refused bail after he was charged with unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition.
Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded Julian Winter to prison, after he was brought before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on charges that he had a .38 Taurus revolver and seven .32 live rounds without licence on July 31 in Georgetown.
Winter, who was unrepresented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were initially read to him.
After his plea was entered, the magistrate asked him if he was aware that the offences carry a minimum sentence of two years together with a fine. Asked whether he wanted to maintain his guilty plea, Winter immediately responded, “not guilty.”
Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, who presented the police’s case to the court, said that the accused is a security guard attached to Toolsie Persaud Limited.
According to Mangru, Winter is not authorised to carry a firearm.
However, the prosecutor told the court that the accused was seen by a police officer at the Stabroek Market area placing the gun on a table.
The prosecutor said that when the officer approached Winter to ascertain what he was doing with the firearm and whether he was licensed to carry same and the ammunition, the man said no.
Mangru objected to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty, noting that he advanced no special reasons. He also emphasised that the offences were serious and prevalent.
As a result, Winter was informed that he would be remanded to prison until August 5.
