A 31-year-old man from Meadowbrook Housing Scheme, Georgetown was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.Darwin Bennos was charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Before acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegation. It is alleged that on January 18, 2025, in Tucville, Georgetown, he had a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm license enforced at the time.
Bennons, a father of three, was granted bail of $150,000.The prosecution’s short facts revealed that at about 23:00h on the night of January 18, 2025, police officers were on mobile patrol in Tucville when they heard two loud explosions resembling gunshots.
As such, the ranks went to Perry and Samaan Streets, where they observed three men running east along the street. The ranks pursued the men, apprehending Bennons, who was allegedly holding a gun in his right hand.
According to the police, Bennons immediately handed over the weapon, a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pisto. Police ranks inspected the weapon and found that it had no ammunition in the magazine.
An 18-year-old labourer from the Tucville area was also taken into custody. However, police searches conducted at the homes of both men did not uncover any illegal items. In court, Bennos was represented by attorney Domnick Bess, who asked for his client to be released on reasonable bail.
In so doing, counsel cited the defendant’s unblemished criminal record. Bess claimed that Bennons was an innocent party caught up in an altercation on the night in question.
He claimed that one of the suspects involved in the matter attempted to rob Bennons of his gold chain and other valuables. Bess recounted that his client, Bennons, was involved in a physical altercation during which he reportedly managed to disarm an individual who initially possessed the firearm.
According to Bess, two rounds were fired during the struggle, but Bennons was not injured.
The lawyer further emphasised that Bennons voluntarily handed over the weapon to police upon their arrival and did not resist arrest.
Highlighting his client’s vulnerability, Bess noted that Bennons has only one arm due to a previous accident, making him an “easy target” in such situations.
He argued that Bennons acted in self-defence. The prosecution, however, strongly opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and the public safety concerns it raises.
They also noted that Bennons was allegedly found in possession of the firearm at the scene and suggested that he had prior court appearances for a similar offence.
After weighing the arguments, Chief Magistrate Mc Gusty granted bail under strict conditions. Bennons must report to the East La Penitence Police Station on the last Friday of every month.
The case has been adjourned to February 12, 2025
