Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Vryheid’s Lust man jailed for illegal gun, ammo.
A security guard of South Vryheid’s Lust was yesterday sentenced for the possession of an Intratec 9mm Luger submachine gun, which police said he tried to hide in a septic tank on June 5, at East La Penitence when law enforcers approached him.
Edward McCollin, 37, of lot 67 South Vryheid’s Lust East Coast Demerara, was sentenced to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan at the city court after he pleaded not guilty to the two charges which was read to him.
It was alleged that on June 5 at East La Penitence, McCollin had the submachine gun without being the holder of a firearm licence. The other charge stated that on the same day at East La Penitence, Georgetown, he had in his possession components amounted to eight casings, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.
McCollin at his court hearing yesterday
To these two charges, McCollin was found guilty and fined $50,000 on each charge. He was also handed a three-year sentence, which will run concurrently.
However, last year, McCollin, had stated that he was beaten and knocked unconscious by police ranks, while talking with some women at August Beverages. He stated that the gun and matching ammunitions were not in his possession. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, had told the Court that ranks on patrol that day saw McCollin at August Beverages with the firearm.
Jones added that while the police were approaching the defendant he began conversing with the females.
According to the Prosecutor, McCollin told the lawmen that he is currently a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Despite his claims, the ranks still conducted the search and found the illegal gun and ammunition in his possession. Jones further related that instead of cooperating, the defendant became aggressive and attacked the police. He related that the police resorted to force and he was knocked out in the process.
McCollin’s Attorney had made an application for bail for his client back in 2015 who he said was a security guard for a mining firm. Thompson noted that his client carries a weapon for the company to protect the business but noted that the man had no knowledge of the firearm mentioned.
The court found the prosecution facts to be credible. According to the Prosecutor, the defendant is at present serving a sentence of 58 months for possession of and discharging a loaded firearm.
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