A Canadian national accused of illegally importing several high-powered assault weapons into Cayman has denied the charges.
Appearing before the Grand Court on Friday, 21 July, Anton Parygin entered not guilty pleas to three counts of unlawful importation of a firearm and three counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The 9mm semi-automatic handgun, 12 gauge shotgun and semi-automatic rifle were discovered in Parygin’s luggage upon arrival at the Owen Roberts International Airport on 28 Jan. 2023.
Despite having entered his pleas, neither a trial date nor type of trial was set.
Parygin’s attorney, James Stenning, told the court the services of Ben Tonner, KC, have been secured to lead the defence, but the trial details would depend on Tonner, who was off island during the hearing.
During Friday’s proceedings, Stenning told the court he still intends to follow up on a pre-action letter that was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions warning them of a decision to seek a judicial review into the Crown’s decision to go ahead with the charges.
Parygin’s bail was extended ahead of a case management hearing at which time outstanding trial details are set to be fixed.
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