A Brazilian accused of forging an extension of stay stamp and a passport was yesterday admitted to bail in the sum of $400,000 after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The allegation against Francisco De Jesus is that between March 25 and June 16 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he conspired with person or persons unknown to forge an extension of stay stamp dated March 25, 2011 to September 24, 2011, purporting to show that same was issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office, knowing that to be false.
It is also alleged that on June 16 at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, with intent to defraud, De Jesus uttered to Sergeant 16808 Hinds one Brazilian passport number CT 9992780 in favour of himself with a false immigration extension of stay stamp dated March 25, 2011 to September 24, 2011 inserted on page 14 of the said passport knowing same to be forged.
The accused who was provided with an interpreter was not required to plead to the indictable charges when they were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
In presenting the facts of the case, Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that the defendant is a Brazilian and on June 16 he came to Guyana via Lethem and was boarding a flight at the Ogle International Airport to the interior when the false extension of stay stamp was discovered in the travel document.
He was later arrested and charged.
The prosecution had no objections to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty but requested that it be on the condition that he reports to Lance Corporal Persaud at the Criminal Investigations Department every Monday and Friday at 9 am until the matter has been determined. Satisfying the court that 109 Carmichael Street is his client’s local address for bail to be granted, attorney James Bond who represented the accused told the court that the defendant is a frequent traveller to Guyana where he transacts business.
He said his client will attend court whenever required to do so as he is anxious to clear his name of the charges levelled against him. He said too that his client has no reason to flee.
After listening to the case, the court granted De Jesus bail in the sum of $200,000 on each charge. The matter will be called again on July 11 for reports.
