Irish teenager accused of threatening Guyana president faces fine at most

The family of an Irish teenager charged with threatening to kill the president of Guyana have said they are hopeful the case will be dropped.

Lawyers for 17-year-old Cillian James Crossan, a volunteer with the British Project Trust aid group, said he was joking when he made the threat during "an alcohol-fuelled conversation" with two of the leader's bodyguards.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charge before a local magistrate and has been released on bail.

Reporter with The Irish Sun, Gary Meneely, said even if the case goes ahead Mr Crossan will only face a maximum sentence of a fine.

Mr Meneely said: "He is due to appear again in May, the family are hoping the case will be dropped.

"It is classed as a misdemeanour in Guyana, so even if he was found guilty, it would be a fine of around €780."