A businesswoman and her common-law partner were refused bail yesterday after they were charged with illegal possession of ammunition.The two, Joanna Lopez and Philbert James, made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton.It is alleged that on August 19, at Kurupung, the couple had in their possession two .32 and two .22 rounds of ammunition. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.Lopez was represented by defence counsel Anil Nandlall, while James was represented by attorney-at-law Euclin Gomes.In making a bail application, Nandlall told the court that his client is 46 years old and is a licensed diamond dealer. He said that, since the offence is bailable, bond should be considered in a reasonable sum.He said his client has been in police custody since Tuesday of last week, and should be granted her pre-trial liberty.He added that, given the fact that the ammunition was found at the woman’s hotel,NFL Jerseys From China, it is highly likely that a guest who stayed at the hotel may have left it there.Nandlall added that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute which the couple was having and the police were called in.He added that, while the police were at the premises, they conducted a search and the bullets were found. Nandlall also raised the issue of the bullets not belonging to one weapon.The court was further informed that earlier in the day the couple was before another magistrate for the domestic dispute. He added that the matter was disposed of after the couple decided not to offer evidence against each other.On the other hand, Gomes, who represented James, stated the same facts. He told the court that his client is 24 years old and is employed by the other accused.However, bail was objected to by the prosecution. According to the prosecution, the facts stated by the defence differ, since the ammunition was not found at a hotel, but, instead, at a private property owned by the businesswoman.The prosecution further referred to a bill which was assented to in May of last year by the President, which stated that the offence is not bailable.As such, bail was refused and the couple is expected to make their next court appearance on September 2 at Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
