A man allegedly in possession of a loaded gun when he was pulled over for a traffic violation was charged with firearms offences yesterday.

Ricardo Tucker, 30, a Jamaican national, was arrested in Pembroke in the early hours of Monday.

According to Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Michael McColm, the Police attempted to stop Tucker when he was seen riding at speed along Marsh Folly Road onto Parsons Road.

It is alleged that Tucker was seen to throw a firearm onto the road and continue riding, until he lost control of his cycle a short time later as he attempted to turn onto Rambling Lane.

According to prosecutors, a loaded Intratec Tec 9 semi-automatic pistol was later found in the area.

Tucker was brought to Magistrates' Court amid tight security yesterday afternoon to face charges of possessing an Intratec Tec 9 semi automatic pistol in a public place, namely Parsons Road, Pembroke.

He was further charged with possessing the same firearm without a licence, and possessing nine 9 mm rounds of ammunition.

Tucker, of Orchard Lane, Pembroke, was represented by defence lawyer Mark Pettingill. He was not required to enter pleas as the matter must be dealt with in the Supreme Court.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo refused Mr. Pettingill's application for bail, and remanded Tucker into custody.

He is due back at Magistrates' Court on March 19 for an administrative hearing.