A man who pleaded guilty to stealing a gold band from an overseas-based Guyanese was sentenced to two years imprisonment by acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson on Friday.

However he accused a police officer of taking the item in the charge away from him.

Orlando Garraway of 207 Alexander Street, Lacytown admitted to stealing a gold band from Ruby Roopchand valued at $200,000 on June 9.

He said that after he committed the act, he rode away but was stopped by the police.  He was then taken to the station and he said he had the item stashed in his pants when a police officer took it away and said he was going to see how he could help him.  He said that was the last time he saw the band.  However he contended that that officer told him that he was gong to pay for the band.

The prosecutor said that Roopchand was on Regent Street when Garraway snatched the article which she was wearing at the time. After an alarm was raised he was apprehended by the police.

He added that the allegation that Garraway made against the police will have to be investigated.  He asked the magistrate to consider the prevalence of the offence in handing down her sentence.  He added that people should be able to walk freely on the streets with their possessions.

When asked by the magistrate as to the cause of his actions, Garraway said that he was frustrated about being out of work.  He was then sentenced.