MONTHS after a firearm-related charge was dismissed against interdicted Cadet Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Franz Paul, on Friday he found himself back in court again, this time charged for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

Paul, 32, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the two charges which allege that on August 20 at Lot 114 Second Street, Alexander Village, he had a .32 pistol along with 13 matching rounds in his possession when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

Paul was also charged for threatening behaviour towards his reputed wife, Rushell Carew. The cadet pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His attorney Damien DaSliva, during an application for bail, told the court that the firearm in question was found on the road by a ‘wanderer’ and was attributed to his client. DaSliva stressed to the court that no firearm was found on his client; he [his client] did not have knowledge of it.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers, told the court that on the day in question there was an argument between Paul and his reputed wife, Carew, at their Alexander Village home and the accused brandished a firearm at the woman, threatening to kill her. Carew managed to disarm Paul, ran over to a neighbour’s house and handed over the firearm to him.

Paul left the home and went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was treated for a fractured arm.

The police went to the couple’s residence where the gun was handed over to the police and Paul was arrested.

Inspector Jeffers strongly opposed bail for Paul, citing the seriousness of the charge and possible witness-tampering.

Magistrate Ann McLennan noted that there is a need for public safety and remanded Paul to prison. The matter was adjourned until September 3.

In May this year, Paul was discharged for allegedly shooting a 16-year-old in his mouth during a game of Russian roulette in 2014.

Paul, who resided at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for a four-year period.
He was on trial for discharging a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith on April 30, 2014, in Georgetown, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.
The state, for which evidence was being led by Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess, had already closed its case while seeking an adjournment of the last court hearing.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Paul compensated Griffith to the tune of $2M for his injuries. Griffith accepted the compensation and dropped the matter against Paul.