A Palmyra, Berbice businessman was remanded to prison by Magistrate Alex Moore on charges of possession of firearm and ammunition when he appeared in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.
Kevin France
Kevin France, 51, of Lot 55 Palmyra Village, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) pleaded not guilty to the charges.
It is alleged that on October 22, 2016 at Lot 20146 Palmyra, he had in his possession one 9mm pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence. It is also alleged that on the same day he had in his possession 13 live matching rounds.
According to reports, about 01:00h, ranks of a Police mobile patrol, acting on information, attempted to stop motor car PVV 2423 that was driven by France, but failed after the defendant sped away, sparking a high-speed chase around a section of New Amsterdam. France was eventually apprehended when he arrived at his Palmyra home and was about to exit the vehicle. He was subsequently searched, and the gun and ammunition were discovered.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Godfrey Playter objected to bail, citing the nature and prevalence of the offence. He further objected to bail on the grounds of substantial evidence that at the time, France was the only occupant of the car in which the weapon was found.
France was represented by Attorney-at-Law Charandass Persaud, who did not advance any special reason for bail to be granted. As such, the accused was denied bail. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on November 14, 2016.
