GDF Lance Corporal among four charged for illegal guns, ammo

[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Lance Corporal attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was among the four men that were remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday, December 08, 2015 after they were charged with the illegal possession of guns and ammunition.

They are: 27-year-old GDF officer Aaron Eastman, who has served for 10 years in the Force of Lot 148 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Mark Anthony, 22, of 1238 Canje Pheasant Place, East Ruimveldt; Andrew David Escott, an upholster of 155 Middle Road La Penitence and 37 – year – old Carpenter, Ryan Escott.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged that on Saturday, December 05 at Robb street, Georgetown, they had seven rounds of live ammunition in their possession without being the holders of a firearm license. They also denied the allegation which read that they were found in possession of two firearms.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that citizens saw the four men in a vehicle acting in a suspicious manner. They notified the Police who arrived swiftly and conducted a search of the vehicle. The weapons were unearthed under the front passenger seat and they were arrested and charged.

Anthony denied the charge, alleging that the others were beaten to incriminate him in the crime. He said he was not present at the time, nor does he have any knowledge of the weapons. Ryan Escott, who was previously charged for robbery underarms, was represented by Attorney, Peter Hugh.

Meanwhile, Eastman’s Attorney, Mark Waldron stated that his client does not have knowledge of the items; however he accepted that he was driving the vehicle on the day in question. Waldron alleged that the items were found in the rear of the vehicle, contrary to prosecution statements.

The men were remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to Court Three for January 06, 2016.