A 32-year-old Sophia resident, Jamal Halley, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court this week to answer to four serious charges, including three firearm-related offences and one count of malicious damage to property. Halley, who resides in ‘D’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was arraigned before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday.
According to court proceedings, the charges stem from two separate incidents in March. On March 22, Halley was allegedly found in possession of a Glock .45 pistol with serial number XA245 and ten matching rounds of ammunition while not being the holder of a valid firearm licence. This incident reportedly took place on Harpy Drive in North East La Penitence.
A separate charge alleges that on March 14, Halley unlawfully discharged a loaded firearm within 100 yards of a public place—specifically on Independence Boulevard in Albouystown. The prosecution further claims that during this incident, Halley damaged four car tyres belonging to Anfernee George, valued at $60,000.
Halley pleaded not guilty to all four charges. The prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns over the legitimacy of Halley’s possession of the weapon and the existence of video footage allegedly capturing him during the incident. The prosecutor also argued that Halley had previously evaded police custody, raising concerns about his likelihood to appear for future court dates.
In response, Halley’s legal team, comprised of attorneys Motee Singh and Stacy Goodings, challenged the prosecution’s assertions. Goodings questioned the absence of a wanted bulletin if Halley had indeed fled from police, while Singh maintained that no incriminating evidence had been produced and that there was no lawful order for Halley’s detention.
After considering arguments from both sides, Magistrate McGusty granted Halley bail, setting it at $40,000 each for the malicious damage and unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges, and $150,000 for the charge of discharging a loaded weapon—bringing the total to $230,000. The case has been adjourned to May 7, when Halley is expected to return to court as investigations continue.
