Two GPL meter technicians were each placed on $75,000 bail yesterday by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson when they appeared before her charged with demanding money with menace.
It is alleged that Rayon Henry and Heston Grant were charged jointly with attempting to defraud Marvin Thomas by demanding $20,000 from him, with intent to steal on June 18. They both pleaded not guilty.
The pair was represented by attorney Peter Hugh. Henry, 25, resides at 7 Princes Street, Wortmanville while Grant, 36, resides at 46 Goed Fortuin, West Coast Demerara.
Hugh told the court that his clients have no previous convictions or matters and do not pose a flight risk. He made an application for reasonable bail to be granted.
Meanwhile Thomas told the court that on the day in question, he received a call from a neighbour who told him that his meter was being carried away by two GPL technicians. He said that Henry had left his number for him to return his call. When he did, he was informed that if he were willing to pay $20,000 he would be able to get his meter back immediately.
He said he then made enquiries at the Duke Street branch of GPL. He was then advised to inform the police and he then made a report at Eve Leary. He said he made the call in the presence of the police officers and set up a meeting with the defendants at Garnett and Sheriff streets. He met them and handed over the money and then they were apprehended by the police on the scene.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Stephen Telford said that it is still not clear why the defendants removed the meter.
He said that they had no reason for removing the meter since Thomas’s account was not in arrears but he raised no objection to bail.
They were then placed on bail and the matter was put down for August 2 in Court Two.
