[www.inewsguyana.com] – A 55 – year – old father of eight was today remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
Arthur Thorne of Parika, East Bank Essequibo pleaded not guilty to both charges, one of which alleged that on Wednesday, December 24 at Torapora, Mazaruni, he had in his possession one 12 gauge pump action shot gun, when he was not a licensed firearm holder.
Particulars of the other charge stated that on said on the same day at Torapora, Mazaruni, he also had in his possession two 12 gauge cartridges without being the holder of a firearm license.
Representing Thorne was Attorney, Pamela DeSantos, who informed the Court that her client is the Chairman of a Community Development Council (CDC), the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and also the Chairman for Parika Small Miners Association.
According to the prosecution, around 06:30 hrs, police received information that someone discharged a firearm in the area. The weapon was not found in Thorne’s mining camp, but in some bushes next to his camp.
The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for January 08, 2015.
