FREEMAN Fordyce appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and matching ammunition.

The illegal items were reportedly found on May 5, 2017 at the businessman’s jewelry and pawn shop located at George and Princess Street, Werk-en-Rust. The 41-year-old Fordyce of Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which alleged that on the day in question, a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol was found in his possession when he is not the holder of a firearm licence.

It is further alleged that on the same date and location, he had 15 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. His lawyer, Nigel Hughes told the court that his client is a well-known businessman and that over the past two weeks there has been a series of attempt robberies at the business place.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Shawn Gonsalves said that the police searched the pawn shop and nothing was found; the ranks then searched Fordyce and found the gun stashed in his pants crotch.

The Corporal objected to the businessman being allowed his pre-trial liberty, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. He argued too that no special reasons were raised for bail. Bail was denied and the businessman was remanded until May 22, 2017.