An ex-convict, released from prison mere days ago, yesterday faced a possible third term in prison after being brought before a city court on an armed robbery charge.
Thirty-six year old Kwame Bruce, who said he was a beggar, had been released on Saturday after being convicted on two charges on January 8. On that date, Bruce had admitted that he had been convicted before and pleaded guilty to the wounding and threatening behaviour charges, earning himself a four-month sentence in the process.
In yesterday’s proceedings, the man was charged with robbing Ramadit Ramlall of $7,500 while armed with a cutlass on March 12 in Smyth Street; Bruce vehemently refuted the claims.
According to Prosecutor Deniro Jones, Ramlall knew Bruce from seeing him around the area. On the date in question, Ramlall was on duty at Jumbo Jet Auto Sales when he saw the defendant approach him with a cutlass. Bruce, the prosecutor said, began to curse Ramlall who attempted to escape. Nevertheless, the defendant still managed to rob Ramlall, Jones added.
However, Bruce asserted his innocence throughout the matter. He explained that he had been attacked by the warden while in prison and had sustained injuries to his leg which inhibited him from running. He added that, in order to beg, he used crutches.
Angrily, he berated Ramlall for falsely accusing him. Ramlall, meanwhile, said that his money had never been recovered.
After considerations were made, Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded Bruce to prison. After insistence by Bruce that he be allowed bail, Magistrate McLennan explained to the man that he had no fixed place of abode and had already been convicted. These reasons, she said, caused her to deny him bail.
Bruce will reappear before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on April 1 for the continuation of his matter.
