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Men refused bail after abducting woman
Two men were yesterday refused bail, when they made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of abducting a woman.
Nelson Pratt
Pawn shop owner, Freeman Fordyce, 36, of Lot 99 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, denied that he on March 18, last, at Georgetown, abducted Rhonda Ward with intent to cause her to be unlawfully confined.
Additionally, 27-year-old plumber, Nelson Pratt, was charged with unlawful confinement along with Fordyce. They both denied that on March 18, last, at Georgetown, they unlawfully confined Ward, so as to prevent her from leaving a building in Georgetown.
Furthermore, the duo and their accomplice, Carl Klass, of 28 South Ruimveldt Gardens were also charged with unlawful confinement, which was allegedly committed during August 2014.
However, this charge was struck out against the defendants because of statutory regulations, which means that a summary charge cannot be instituted in excess of six months after the event.
According to the information, Ward was standing on Croal Street, when Fordyce drove up to her and forcefully bundled 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 was also charged with assaulting a police officer and behaving disorderly. He pleaded not guilty.
Defense Attorney, Peter Hugh, argued that Ward borrowed $500,000, some time ago from his client (Fordyce) and she failed to return the money. He continued that Fordyce picked her up since she said that she was going by a relative to collect the money she owed him. The woman never received the money; he got annoyed and threw her out the car. Two days later he was arrested and charged with the offence.
Bail was objected to for the duo, by prosecutor Bharrat Mangru. He noted that the victim and the defendants are known to each other and they may tamper with her, since she would be a witness in the matter. Mangru also cited the seriousness and penalty the offence attracts, if the defendants are to be found guilty. He also asserted that there is a likelihood that the defendants may not return to court to stand trial if released on bail.
Counsel contradicted the prosecutions submission. He argued that Fordyce is a reputable businessman who has substantial assets. He pointed out that Fordyce is the father of four minor children and that he has never been convicted before for any offence.
The lawyer informed the court that his client received injuries during his detention at the police station.
After hearing the lawyer’s accusation, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered the prosecutor to launch an investigation into the allegation.
The defendants are scheduled to make their next court appearance on April 2.
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