An epileptic man accused of committing an armed robbery was yesterday released on his own recognisance.
Selwyn Allen, of Paradise, East Coast Demerara, stands accused of robbing Gerald Browne of $100 and a Nokia cellphone, valued at $33,000 on October 17, at Sophia.
It is the police’s case that Allen, who was armed with a cutlass, attacked Browne. It is alleged that he put the cutlass to Browne’s throat. Police say Allen was later pointed out by Browne to the police, and was subsequently arrested and charged.
Allen, who was unrepresented when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty. He told the court that on the day in question he was heading to his brother-In-law’s residence at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, when he was picked up by the police and taken to the Turkeyen Police Station. At the station, Allen told the court, he heard Browne saying, “This look like de man….”
Magistrate Moore released Allen on his own recognizance after taking into account that Allen suffers from seizures—he suffered one during his last court appearance according to the magistrate. He also considered Allen’s mother’s inability to pay the $75,000 initially set as bail as she explained that she has no job and is taking care of Allen.
The case was adjourned until December 18, when it will be called for reports and fixture.
