A policewoman was yesterday admitted to bail in the sum of $125,000 after she denied charges that she solicited a bribe and demanded money to forestall prosecution of a man in a criminal case.
Faith Perreira, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and demanding money with menace when she appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
It is alleged that Perreira, on January 4, at the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station, being an agent of the Government of Guyana, corruptly obtained the sum of $50,000 from Hukumchand, as an inducement or reward for foregoing to prosecute him. It is also alleged that on January 12, at the BV Police Station, Perreira demanded the sum of $40,000 from Hukumchand, with intent to steal same.
Prosecutor Lionel Harvey told the court that Perreira was stationed at the BV Police Station, where Hukumchand was taken on a charge. According to Harvey, based on certain information received, an investigation was launched which later led to the woman’s arrest and charge.
He said on January 4 at the BV Station, Perreira collected $50,000 from Hukumchand and later a further $40,000, as a means of ensuring that he avoided prosecution.
Attorney Patrice Henry, who represented Perreira, told the court that his client has been a serving member of the Guyana Police Force for 16 years and she has an unblemished record. He asked that the woman be sent on her own recognisance and he noted that she has a fixed address, has been cooperating with investigations and poses no risk of flight. She also said Perreira is a mother of four.
Harvey, however, objected to self bail. He said the offence is one that should be viewed seriously and, as a result, he requested substantial bail.
Perreira was admitted to bail in the sum of $50,000 for the bribery charge and $75,000 bail for the demanding money with menace charge. The case was transferred to the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court for January 19.
