Three men accused of robbing a Bel Air, West Coast Berbice family at gunpoint last Tuesday have been denied their pre-trial freedom by Magistrate Roby Benn.
Delon Wills of Belmont, Mahaica; Devon Hope of Mahaica and Wayne Simpson of Ann’s Grove appeared at the Fort Wellington Court last Friday to answer charges of three counts of robbery under arms.
The court heard that on January 10 while armed with dangerous weapon, the men robbed Wazim Sheriff of a semi-automatic pistol, jewellery and $8,000 and drove away in the family’s car.
They were also charged with robbing Zamina Subhan of $505,000 and a diamond ring and her mother, Zulika Subhan of jewellery worth $250,000. They were remanded to prison until January 25.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Grace Bristol objected to bail on the grounds of the nature and prevalence of the offence and that a firearm was used.
She submitted too that if bail is granted they would tamper with witnesses and would be flight risks.
The prosecutor also argued that the men were identified during an identification parade and that more charges are likely to be laid.
Representing the men were attorneys-at-law, Joel Persid-Edmond and Gajraj who both argued that their clients were not flight risks could lodge their passports with the court. They said too that this was the first time they had an encounter with the law.
Reports are that the men invaded the property of rice farmer, Albert Subhan and attacked him and his wife, Zulika, his daughter, Zamena and son-in-law, Sheriff.
They allegedly abducted Sheriff and dumped him out at Yorkshire Dam, Mahaicony, leaving him tied up. The man later managed to free himself and went to the Mahaicony Police Station and made a report.
The car, licence plate PNN 871, was also abandoned at the same location with the engine disabled and the key missing.
The defendants were reportedly arrested while travelling along the East Coast Demerara in a car belonging to one of them. Reports are that they were also found with some items belonging to the victims including cell phones and a diamond ring.
