A Venezuelan national accused of stealing a boat engine belonging to the Guyana Police Force which is valued in excess of $700,000 was on Monday remanded to prison after being unable to furnish the court with an address.
The allegation against John Gonsalez is that on June 16 at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River, Essequibo, he stole one 40 horse power Yamaha engine valued $708,000, property of the Guyana Police Force.
The defendant through his interpreter denied the charge when it was read to him by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
When asked by the court his purpose for being in Guyana and if he is a resident here, the interpreter after consulting with the defendant translated to the court that he is not resident in Guyana.
The acting chief magistrate in considering bail for the accused told the interpreter to explain to Gonsalez that he needed to furnish the court with an address so that he can be found by the police if admitted to bail.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry asked also if there was anyone who would take responsibility for the accused if granted bail. She also explained that once granted bail he needed to return to court to stand trial.
The unrepresented boat operator was, however, unable to provide the court with a local address and was consequently denied his pre-trial liberty.
His matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrates’ Court for September 16, the next sitting of that court.
