Troy Hanes, 33, was yesterday remanded on charges of unlawful and malicious assault and attempted robbery, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Hanes, who appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stated that he used a knife and assaulted Audrey Joseph, in an attempt to rob her.
Police Corporal Venetta Pindar told the court that Joseph and a friend, Cheryl [only name given], were in the Durban Backlands area, where they were confronted by Hanes.
As he tried to relieve Joseph of her handbag, Hanes allegedly attempted to pull out a knife and also assaulted Cheryl, by holding and tugging at her hand. Cheryl’s husband, a firearm holder, upon seeing this took out his gun, scaring the accused away.
Hanes was later arrested and identified by the virtual complainants during an identification parade
.
Bail was denied on grounds of the seriousness of the matter.
The matter was transferred to Court 2 for report and fixture for April 18.
During the hearing, prosecutors were informed by someone present in court that Hanes allegedly robbed them previously. The magistrate advised that investigations will have to be carried out. When leaving, Hanes behaved in a disorderly fashion due to this allegation.
