THE security guard who fired his gun in the compound of Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL), Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, last Friday, was fined $15,000 with the alternative of three months imprisonment yesterday. Raymond O’Selmo, 41, of Lot 36 North Ruimveldt, also in Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that, on September 9, he discharged a loaded firearm within 100 yards of the public.
Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, said the defendant is employed by Instant Security Service Ltd and was posted at GNNL, which publishes Chronicle newspapers.
The prosecutor said O’Selmo was heard talking on his cell phone and, at the time, he was in possession of a .32 pistol with six live rounds, from which he fired one shot in the air, causing persons around to be terrified.
O’Selmo explained that he had a problem with a GNNL employee who owed him money but told him he has nothing to get.
The defendant said he became annoyed and called his workplace, asking to be picked up before he does something to the employee.
“They didn’t come, so I go outside the building and fire off a shot in the air,” O’Selmo admitted.
The magistrate pointed out that, because of the legislation passed by Parliament for the specific crime, the defendant has to be fined no less than $7,500 or no more than $15,000 and the court has to comply.
If the defendant cannot pay the fine, there is a penalty of imprisonment, O’Selmo was told before the penalty was pronounced.