A 32-year-old Sophia resident was on Tuesday granted bail totalling $230,000 after appearing in court on firearm and malicious damage to property charges.

Jamal Halley, of Lot 641 ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he denied all four allegations that were put to him.

The charges stemmed from two separate incidents in March. On March 22, the police reportedly found Halley in possession of a Glock .45 pistol bearing serial number XA245 and 10 matching rounds of ammunition while at Harpy Drive, North-East La Penitence.

He is accused of not having a valid firearm licence at the time.

In a separate incident on March 14, 2025, Halley allegedly discharged a loaded firearm within 100 yards of a public place at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown.

During the same event, he is also accused of damaging four car tyres belonging to Anfernee George. The tyres are valued at $60,000.

Prosecutors strongly objected to bail, arguing that Halley had no lawful reason to be armed and pointed to the existence of video evidence linking him to the crimes. They also claimed that he evaded arrest during the investigation and may be difficult to locate again if released.

However, Halley’s attorney Stacy Goodings, challenged the prosecution’s claims. Goodings questioned the legitimacy of the alleged evasion, noting that no wanted bulletin had ever been issued for her client. She accused law enforcement of violating Halley’s constitutional rights.

She also emphasised that no incriminating evidence had been directly tied to the accused.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate McGusty granted Halley bail, stating that the rights afforded under the constitution must be upheld.
Bail was set at $40,000 each for the unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges, $150,000 for discharging a loaded weapon and $40,000 for the malicious damage to property charge.

The matter was adjourned to May 7, 2025.