A man who previously spent five years in prison on a similar charge was yesterday remanded to prison after he was slapped with three separate charges relating to armed robbery and possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Royan Adams, a miner, was accused of having in his possession, on December 21 at Middle Mazaruni River, one .38 special spent shell without being the holder of a firearm licence.
It was alleged that on the same day, Adams had in his possession one .38 special revolver.
It was also alleged that on December 20 at Middle Mazaruni River, armed with one .38 special revolver, Adams attempted to rob Andre McKenzie.
Adams pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecution related that the victim and the defendant worked together as miners in the interior for three years and on the day in question, at about 21:00 hrs, the victim was at home when the defendant went and called for him. However, as the victim approached, he reportedly pulled the gun from his pants’ waist and demanded cash and jewellery.
A scuffle then ensued between the two, during which the gun fell from Adams’s hand. An alarm was raised and a woman constable who was in the vicinity responded.
When asked by the presiding magistrate what he had to say, Adams told the court that he had been hit with the firearm at the back of his head.
Adams was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned for January 8 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.