Local athlete remanded over gun, ammo found at National Gymnasium

A 24-year-old national footballer was on Monday remanded to prison for allegedly having in his possession a firearm and matching ammunition without being the holder of a license.

Jobe Caesar of Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust appeared before City Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Particulars of the charges alleged that Caesar, on November 13, 2022, at National Gymnasium at Mandela Avenue, had in his possession one .32 Taurus pistol along with six matching rounds without being the holder of a firearm license.

The News Room was made to understand that Caesar, who is a member of the Bent Street Futsal team and was part of quarterfinal matches of the MVP Sports Futsal Tournament, which was being played at the National Gymnasium.

During the match, Police received a “tip-off” that Caesar was reportedly seen with an illegal firearm. He was searched and the loaded firearm was allegedly found in his possession.

Caesar’s attorney, Everton Lammy made an application for bail. According to Lammy, there was the issue of multiple occupancies since that firearm was found at the National Gymnasium where his client did not have knowledge and possession of firearms and ammunition.

The Police Prosecutor objected to Caesar being released on bail since he was previously charged and convicted for other offences.

However, when Lammy asked for evidence to support this claim, the Prosecutor said that Caesar’s file was destroyed during the Brickdam Police Station Fire last year.

The News Room had previously reported that Caesar was charged with armed robbery and damage to property in 2019. During that year, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment for wounding a police officer.

The Magistrate remanded Caesar to prison until December 12.