DPP appeals suspended sentence handed down to Freeman Fordyce
The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) last week appealed the decision made by Magistrate Faith McGusty to give bar owner and pawnbroker Freeman Fordyce a four-year suspended sentence after finding him guilty of the illegal possession of a pistol and ammunition, Communications Officer Liz Rahaman on Monday confirmed.
Rahaman said that the appeal was filed last Tuesday; this would have been several days after the decision was handed down.
Observers had expressed consternation at the outcome of the case particularly since the charges laid against Fordyce are considered serious. According to the law, each offence attracts a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $100,000 together with imprisonment of up to five years.
In addition to the suspended sentence McGusty also fined Fordyce $15,000 on each of the two charges following a plea for leniency by his attorney, Nigel Hughes.
Despite being charged multiple times before, the father of seven was never previously convicted. Prior to sentencing, Hughes told the court that the firearm was not used and he also asked that his client’s previous good character be taken into account.
The charges against Fordyce were that on May 5th, 2017 at George and Princes streets, Werk-en-Rust, he had a 9 mm Smith and Wesson pistol and 15 live rounds of ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder.
According to the police’s case, ranks went to Fordyce’s business place, Umbrella Chill and Sports Bar and requested to carry out a search. During the search of Fordyce, the police said they found the loaded gun in the crotch of his pants.