[www.inewsguyana] – A 23-year-old labourer was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
Joel Johnson was also fined $100,000, after pleading guilty to both charges, which read that on April 12 at Arakaka, in Barima-Waini, he had in his possession one .38 pistol with seven (7) matching rounds of ammo, when he was not a licensed firearm holder.
The court was told that Johnson is employed at a shop in Arakaka, and on the day in question, he visited a nearby shop to meet his female friend. While there, an argument ensued between the two and Johnson pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot the woman.
The woman made a report to the police who in response visited the shop, where the father of one works. A search was conducted and the firearm and ammunition were discovered.
The unrepresented man related that the gun was given to him by his employer, Rhonda Samuels, for security purposes. He further claimed that the police assaulted him and told him that they will continue if he did not surrender the gun.
Johnson informed the court that he was charged with assault before, but was never convicted for the offence.
He was sentenced to two years on each charge, which will run concurrently.
