By STACY MOORE Tuesday, August 7 2012

“It is frightening.” That was the response from a San Fernando magistrate when two teenaged boys were brought before her charged with possession of a firearm. It was alleged they used it for protection.

Hakeem Moowalah, aged 18, and a 16-year-old appeared before Senior Magistrate Indra Ramoo-Haynes in the San Fernando First Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges.

“Having regards to their ages. It is frightening .What reason is there to have this gun. And someone will die,” stated Ramoo- Haynes as the teenagers stood before her silently.

The charge read to them alleged that on Sunday, August 5, they had in their possession a firearm while not being the holder of a licence. The charge was laid by PC Sean Mohammed of the Operations Unit. The teens entered not guilty pleas.

It is alleged that police officers were on mobile patrol in La Romaine when they made the discovery.

It is further alleged that the shotgun was found in a bag. It is also alleged that the gun was to be used to provide protection.

Attorney Sasha Singh who represented the teens said Moowalah had no previous convictions and lived with his grandparents, and took care of them. Singh said the 16-year-old lived at Marabella and also had no previous convictions. He lived with his parents in Bayshore.

The magistrates granted each accused bail in the sum of $75,000. The case was adjourned September 3.

In a separate firearm case two other men, Cowen Williams, 26, and Abini Martin, 36 of Tarodale appeared before Ramoo-Haynes to answer to the charge of having in their possession a firearm and shooting at another man. Williams and Martin were charged with; possession of a firearm and one round of ammunition; also shooting at Kevin Stewart causing grievous bodily harm. Another charge read to them alleged that the accused men discharged the firearm within 40 yards of public space.

The charges were laid indictably by PC Komaldath Sookraj of the Ste Madeleine Police Station. Attorney Annalee Girwar who represented Will-

iams and Martin requested that a name search be conducted on her clients since they were not traced.

However police court prosecutor PC Ramdath Phillip indicated to the court that there are persons of similar names with matters pending of a similar nature, and that proper tracing should be conducted on the accused men to determine their criminal record.

Williams and Martin were denied bail and remanded into custody. The case was adjourned to September 3.