Businessman, alleged accomplice charged with abducting female friend

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Two men were remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday, March 23 for the offences of abduction and confinement.

Businessman Freeman Fordyce, 36 of Lot 99 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara denied that on March 18, at Georgetown, he abducted Rhonda Ward with intent to unlawfully confine her.

Additionally, 27 – year – old plumber, Nelson Pratt of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, was charged with unlawful confinement along with Fordyce. They both denied that on March 18, at Georgetown, they unlawfully confined Ward, so as to prevent her from leaving a building in Georgetown.

Fordyce was also charged with assaulting a Police Officer while in police custody. The Court heard that he cuffed the Officer and behaved disorderly at the Brickdam Police station.

Their accomplice, Carl Klass was also charged with unlawful confinement, which was allegedly committed during the month of August 2014. However, this charge was struck out against Klass, Fordyce and Pratt because of statutory regulation, which means that a summary charge cannot be instituted in excess of six months.

The Court heard that Ward was standing on Croal Street when Fordyce drove up to her and forced her into his car. He then drove her to a house in Sixth Street Alberttown where he kept her, whilst Pratt guarded the premises. Later in the day she was given her freedom.

Fordyce’s Lawyer, Peter Hugh argued that Ward borrowed $500,000 some time ago from his client and failed to return the money. The Court heard that on the day in question, Fordyce gave Ward a ride to a relative’s house to collect the said money.

According to Hugh, Fordyce still did not receive the money and decided to put the woman out of his car. The lawyer said two days later, Fordyce was arrested and charged.

Hugh told the court that Fordyce is the owner of a Pawnshop and has no prior convictions and that his client received injuries during his detention at the police station.

Bail was denied and the duo will make their next court appearance on April 02.