By Royan Abrams
A miner was refused bail when he appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court to answer to a possession of gun and ammunition charge on Monday, January 23, 2017.
22-year-old Konato Simpson of New Amsterdam, Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate, Rhondel Weaver.
The court heard that on January 18, 2017, at his home, he had in his possession one .32 semi-automatic pistol with matching magazine.
According to the police report on the matter, it is said that on the day in question at about 10:00 hours, the police acting on information received went to Simpson’s home and carried out a search during which the firearm and magazine were found next to a foul pen, several feet away from where the accused was standing.
News Room was told that the items were picked up by the officers who questioned the accused about the weapon but he remained silent.
During Simpson’s court appearance, his attorney made an application for bail and told the court that the yard in which the gun and ammunition were found is occupied by more than one person and that the weapon was not found on his client possession but rather several feet away from where he was standing.
However, police prosecutor Godfrey Playter objected to bail noting the prevalence of the offence and the fact that the weapon was found in close proximity to where the accused was standing.
After hearing the case the magistrate refused bail and the accused is expected to make another court appearance on February 24, 2017.
