Thirty-seven-year-old businessman Andre Polly-dore yesterday appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, charg-ed with the possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
It was alleged that on August 24, 2024, at Main and Middle streets, Georgetown, Pollydore was in possession of a 9mm pistol and eight live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence or ammunition licence. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The prosecution objected to bail, stating that on the day in question, ranks acting on information went to Main and Middle streets, where they observ-ed Pollydore standing beside motorcar PAG 2707. They enquired if he was the owner of the vehicle, to which he responded that he was. The ranks then requested to search his person; however, nothing was found. They subsequently requested to search the motorcar during which they found a passport belonging to Pollydore and the firearm hidden under the front passenger seat.
When asked by police if he was the owner of the firearm, Pollymore replied that he wasn’t. However, the prosecution contended that he was the only person near the car at the time.
Attorney Latchmi Rahamat, representing Pollydore, told the magistrate that when the firearm was found, it was in a concealed state. She contended that the vehicle did not belong to Pollydore and that he was merely standing by the vehicle. She added that the car keys were found on the bonnet and that at no time did her client claim ownership of the vehicle. She further noted that her client was not the only person near the vehicle during the search.
She added that her client is not a flight risk and has every intention of clearing his name.
After listening to both sides, the magistrate denied bail and adjourned the matter to September 23.
