A man was yesterday charged with being one of six men who carried out an armed attack in which a Chinese businessman and his family were beaten and robbed of $41 million in cash, jewellery and other articles.
Kenrick Duncan, 24, was yesterday denied bail after being arraigned on a charge of armed robbery when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Duncan, of Lot 256 West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was denied bail after Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru reported that he would face more charges.
The charge against Duncan is based on the allegation that on September 10, at Wellington and Charlotte streets, he robbed Hu Yu Nan, the proprietor of Lisa’s Store, of US$71,000, $2.2 million, a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery, 61 cellular phones, a revolver and other articles, all amounting to $41 million.
Mangru told the court that Hu Yu Nan, who is a Chinese national, was in his room when he heard a commotion. He said that upon enquiring, the man was confronted by a group of men, two of whom were armed with handguns. Mangru added that the group then proceeded to beat the family with guns, while demanding cash and jewellery.
Mangru said the family handed over a quantity of money and jewellery to the group. The men then proceeded to the family’s store, located in the lower flat of the building, and took a quantity of articles and escaped.
Subsequently, police, acting on information received, arrested Duncan, Mangru said. Under caution, he said, Duncan confessed to the robbery and a search was conducted on his home and some of the articles stolen from the store were found there. These articles were later identified by virtual complainant as those stolen from his store, Mangru said.
Mangru objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and the prevalence of the offence. “There will be other charges brought against this defendant as well, your worship,” Mangru said.
As a result, Duncan was remanded until October 4.
