Soldier charged with stealing GDF pistol

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

A soldier was Tuesday arraigned for allegedly stealing a firearm from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and allegedly being in illegal possession of the same gun.

Lance Corporal Devon Harris was charged with stealing one Fabrique Nationale (FN) pistol bearing serial number 75C61408 between December 4, 21013 and January 4 at Base Camp Stephenson.

Harris,34, of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was also accused of being in illegal possession of a firearm without being the holder of a gun licence. The gun was found at Harris’ home.

The soldier was refused bail and the case was transferred to the Providence Magistrates’ Court where he would appear on January 13.

At the request of Defence Lawyer Patrice Henry, the file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

Henry said Harris has been a serviceman for more than 12 years. He said since his client has been working in the stores department of the army, he had been in possession of the firearm. Henry suggested that the Lance Corporal was the victim of a framed charged because of difficulties he has been experiencing at the GDF.

However, Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said Harris was charged after an inventory was conducted and the firearm that was found in possession of the alleged offender was missing.

The Prosecutor successfully opposed bail based on the prevalence of the offence and the penalties that could be imposed.