Machine operator granted $100,000 bail on gun parts charge

Orlando George
Orlando George

A 23-year-old excavator operator was granted bail last Thursday after denying a charge of unlawful possession of parts of a firearm without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Orlando George was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 after pleading not guilty to the charge, which was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that on February 10, at Ewang Backdam, Potaro River, George had in his possession components of a firearm, that is, a Glock 9mm extended magazine, a Smith and Wesson .41 magnum barrel and a Smith and Wesson .44 magnum barrel, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, in his application for bail, told the court on George’s behalf that six persons were arrested but two were charged and it was one of the six that told police ranks that the parts, which were found in a hollow tree stump, belonged to George.

With no objection by Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, bail was granted on the condition that George report to the Mahdia Police Station every Friday until the completion of trial. The matter was adjourned until April 16, 2019, when it will be heard at the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court.