A seaman was yesterday placed on $50,000 bail on an armed robbery charge, while the virtual complainant, who allegedly stabbed him with a pair of scissors during the robbery, was placed on $10,000 bail, last Thursday.
Joseph Parris, 44, of Lot 29 Public Road, Bagotstown, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
It was alleged that on November 13 at Wellington Street, while armed with a knife, Parris robbed Ravi Rajkumar of a silver chain valued $12,000.
Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail being granted to Parris citing the nature and gravity of the offence. He also added that since Parris is a seaman, it is very likely that he may not return for trial.
This prompted Parris to inform the court that it was because of his injuries he can no longer work. He added that he has pictures of his injuries to show the court. “That man was very abusive to me, your honour,” Parris said.
Meanwhile, the charge against Rajkumar, read by Magistrate Ann McLennan last Thursday, stated that on November 13, at the same place, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Parris. At his initial arraignment, he was not required to plead to charge. However, yesterday, he pleaded not guilty when the charge was re-read to him.
The facts of the case against Rajkumar stated that on the day in question around 00:30h, he was walking along Wellington Street when Parris approached him and demanded that he hand over his valuables.
Rajkumar reportedly pulled out a pair of scissors and dealt Parris four stabs and the injured Parris then escaped with Rajkumar’s chain into a nearby yard. Rajkumar later called the police.
Last Thursday, Jones did not object to bail being granted to Rajkumar, who was represented by attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat.
Fung-A-Fat had stated that his client was being robbed and added that Rajkumar received a cut on his hand. He made an application for reasonable bail to be granted.
Magistrate McLennan had inquired during this appearance whether the chain was recovered and Jones said no.
At yesterday’s hearing, Parris was granted $50,000 bail and the case was adjourned until December 17 when it will be called for reports and fixtures.
