A Brazilian national is now a remanded prisoner after being charged with having an illegal pistol and matching ammunition.
Sebastian De’Oliveira Moura, 34, is alleged have been in possession of a 9 mm Browning pistol and two live rounds of 9 mm ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. It is alleged that the gun and ammunition were found on March 19, at Eyelash Backdam, North West District.
The defendant, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges yesterday.
The court heard through his attorney that he has been in Guyana for over six years and operates a business at the Port Kaituma waterfront.
Despite the time he has spent in the country, the defendant was said to be unable to speak English during the hearing and he was aided by a translator.
His lawyer stated that the gun and ammunition were found on a counter at his client’s shop at the time the police conducted a search of the premises. However, it was noted that several workers and customers were present.
It was also mentioned that the firearm was not found on the defendant. Maura’s attorney alleged that there was no interpreter at the scene when the arrest was made, which rendered the defendant clueless as to what was taking place.
This was refuted by the prosecutor, who stated that the defendant is a fluent English speaker, while highlighting the number of years he has been living in Guyana.
The court heard that when the firearm was found in the presence of the defendant, he was cautioned and later admitted to being the owner.
After the submissions, bail was denied by the Chief Magistrate and the matter is now set to be heard again on May 2 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, an Albouystown artist was also remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate after denying having a .45 pistol and six matching rounds of ammunition in his possession.
Dexter Barrette, 42, of Lot 32 James Street, Albouystown, pleaded not guilty to the charges read.
It is alleged that the defendant had the firearm and ammunition in his possession on March 18, at Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.
He too was remanded to prison and his next court hearing is scheduled for April 12.
