A Police Constable, who is attached to Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station, was on Monday charged with stealing a firearm from the Force.
Cornell Paul, 21 of Tushen, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the simple larceny charge.
It is alleged that on February 3, 2018, at Impact Base, Paul stole a .38 Special Revolver, a holster and six .38 ammunition, totalling $235,750 – the property of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
He was represented by Attorney-at-law, Paul Fung-A-Fat, who in his bail application, told the court that his client is married and his wife is five months pregnant.
The lawyer argued that on the day in question, his client was on duty and booked out the firearm but forgot the weapon in the office and proceeded to the patrol van.
According to the Attorney, when Paul realized he forgot the weapon, he returned to the office and discovered it was missing.
The Attorney said his client reported the matter to his Superior Officer at the time, who was a Woman Sergeant but she went home.
Fung-A-Fat argued his client never left the compound of the Police Station nor was the firearm retrieved.
“My client should have never been criminally charged, instead the Guyana Police Force should have dealt with this departmentally,” the Attorney told the court.
Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers did not object to bail but requested that conditions be attached to ensure that the officer return for trial.
As such, Constable Paul was granted $150,000 bail and was ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday. The matter is adjourned to August 24.
