The boat captain, who was arrested after he was allegedly found with an unlicensed firearm and a matching round, was yesterday remanded to prison after being read the charges by a city magistrate.
Leroy Benjamin, 51, is accused of having in his possession, on May 29, at Barakat Landing, Esse-quibo, a .32 pistol without being a licensed firearm holder.
It is further alleged that on the very date, and location, the defendant also had a matching round in his possession without being a firearm holder.
Benjamin denied both allegations after they were read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman.
According to the prosecutor’s facts, on the day in question, police, who were on patrol in the area, stopped the defendant’s boat and requested to conduct a search. It was during the search that the firearm and the matching round were found in the crutch of the defendant’s trousers.
The defendant’s attorney requested that his client be released on reasonable bail, while adding that he was innocent of the crime.
Subsequently, Magis-trate Latchman remanded Benjamin and adjourned the matter to today when it will be heard by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
