A Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo taxi driver, who allegedly is a stroke victim, had to be assisted into the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, to answer to charges of illegal firearm and cannabis possession.
Leroy Marshall, 45, pleaded not guilty to having a .38 revolver and matching rounds of ammunition, as well as one gram of cannabis in his possession on November 16, 2016.
In a calm state, the man feebly stood and had the charges read to him.
The prosecution said that the items were all found in the defendant’s car. According to the information provided, the father of two was parked with two passengers in his vehicle when it was surrounded by Police Officers, who had received a tip-off about illegal activities.
Police in a statement had said that they initially conducted a search of Marshall and his motor vehicle but came up empty handed.
After the initial search, ranks decided to impound the vehicle at the Brickdam Police Station and utilised one of its sniffer dogs (ACE) trained in the detection of firearms and explosive devices.
The canine arrived with its handler and in the presence of the driver and other ranks, led them to the left front door panel, which when opened revealed an unlicenced .38 Smith and Wesson revolver with five (5) live matching rounds.
The defendant denied the allegations and his Attorney, George Thomas made an unsuccessful bail application.
He was remanded to prison until December 15, 2016.
