A policeman yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with collecting a $100,000 bribe from a woman and attempting to get rid of evidence in September last year.
Colin Mercurius, 26, of 226 Garnett Street, Kitty and New Amsterdam, Berbice was not required to plead to the indictable charges of attempting to obstruct the course of justice and obtaining an inducement when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan. The magistrate later released Mercurius on $30,000 bail.
It is alleged that on September 18 last, at Camp Street, being an agent of the state, Mercurius obtained from Donna Carter for himself $100,000 as an inducement not to give evidence before the court.
On September 25 at Camp Street, it is alleged that the rank willfully attempted to obstruct the course of justice by attempting to dispose of evidence.
Defence counsel Vic Puran entered an appearance for him and told the court in his bail application that his client is married and is the father of one. Counsel stated that his client is still a serving member of the Guyana Police Force. He said that a decision was made to take the complainant’s side and not to listen to his client.
Puran asked for reasonable bail and informed the court that his client only works for a small salary every month. He told the court that he believes that the complainant has achieved her purpose.
Police Prosecutor Maxine Graham did not object to bail being granted to Mercurius.
He has to return to court on February 15.
