FOR firing a gun at a Presidential guard during the attack on State House—the official residence of the President of Guyana—on December 15, 2022, a Nigerian man was sentenced to three months in jail and three years of supervised probation.

At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, 26-year-old Bethel Chimezie of Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on trial for the crime of intentionally discharging a loaded firearm at Policeman Quincy Cummings.

He did, however, decide to switch from a “not guilty” to a “guilty” plea on Monday. As a result, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly gave him the punishment. The magistrate took into account that Chimezie had been placed under remand since January 19, 2023, while imposing the punishment.

Police Headquarters released a statement saying, “The Court started the maximum sentencing guideline at fifteen months and took into consideration the time Chimeze spent on remand.”
One more case involving the convicted individual is documented in the court’s records. In this particular occurrence, it is alleged that he unlawfully caused harm to Presidential Guard, Telon Perreira, on December 15, 2022, at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, with the intent to commit murder.

He has not been required to enter a plea to this indictable accusation, and a preliminary inquiry is being conducted to determine whether there is enough evidence for the High Court to hold a trial. Chimezie is being held on remand for this offence.

According to reports, on the day in question, at about 07:30 hours, Chimezie went to the south-eastern entrance of State House and spoke with Perreira.

Chimezie indicated to Perreira that he wanted to see the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and had an appointment with him. Perreira directed the accused to the seating area while he attempted to confirm that he had an appointment.

However, Chimezie became annoyed, got up from the seating area, and attempted to walk through the security hut into the compound of State House.

Perreira attempted to block Chimezie, but the man pulled out a knife from his shoulder bag and stabbed him five times. The men ended up in a scuffle, and a female presidential guard came to Perreira’s rescue. She took out her service revolver, but Chimezie disarmed her.

Cummings, who was at the south-eastern entrance, intervened, but Chimezie discharged three rounds in his direction. Chimezie then attempted to flee on foot.

However, Cummings pulled out his service weapon and discharged a round in his direction, hitting him in the right leg. He fell to the ground and was arrested.

Perreira and Chimezie were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they both underwent surgery. Following the attack, Perreira, a Constable, was promoted to the rank of Corporal for his courage.