[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Lance Corporal (19553) attached to Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Tuesday (January 7) slapped with the charges of simple larceny and unlawful possession of firearm when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Thirty four – year – old Devon Harris of Friendship, East Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge which detailed that between December 27 through January 4 at Base Camp Stevenson, Timehri he stole one fabric national pistol number 75C61408 valued at $35,000.
He also denied the second charge which alleged that on the same day at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, he had in his possession one Fabric national pistol number 75C61408, when he was not a holder of a firearm license.
Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry who represented the defendant told the Court that his client has in excess of 12 years service with the GDF. He added at the time of the incident, Harris was one of the store employees.
The Defence Lawyer further argued that from the time his client has been working in the arms store, he had the firearm in his possession. He said his client is married with two children and has no difficulty with attending his trial.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru on the other hand told the Court that on the day in question a physical check was carried out on the serving member of GDF when the missing firearm was discovered.
Mangru said Harris is not authorized to have any firearm in his possession while off duty.
The Prosecutor successfully opposed bail. The matter was transferred to Providence Magistrates’ Court for January 13.
