Guard fined $15,000 for discharging gun in GNNL compound

The 41-year-old security guard who discharged a loaded firearm in the compound of Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) was yesterday fined $15,000 after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Raymond O’Selmo pleaded guilty to discharging a loaded firearm on September 9 in the GNNL compound within 100 yards of the public way.

When given a chance to speak, the accused told the court that a staff member who had borrowed his money had refused to repay him.

He further stated that he had called his office and asked the authorities to remove him to another location to prevent any problem between himself and the said staff member.

According to the facts presented to the court by the prosecution, on the day in question the accused was on duty at the Chronicle compound when he was heard speaking to someone on his phone in  a loud tone. The prosecution further stated that at the time of the incident the accused had in his possession one .38 pistol along with six matching rounds, and he subsequently discharged a round into the air.

The man was fined $15,000.