Days after trying to rob a young woman, a Grove man found himself blaming alcohol for his actions while apologising to his intended victim.
Sherif Ahmad admitted to the crime and was sentenced to 18 months in jail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.
The court heard that at about 9:05 pm on Thurs-day, March 27, 18-year-old Jennifer Asharan was walking along High Street, Georgetown when she was approached by Ahmad. At the time, Asharan had her cellular phone in her left hand and it was snatched by the man. A scuffle ensued and a terrified Asharan raised an alarm as the man attempted to rob her. Passing police ranks intervened and arrested Ahmad and subsequently charged him.
Ahmad, who had been convicted twice before on similar charges, admitted to the crime when given an opportunity to do so by the Chief Magistrate. His most recent conviction, upon which he was sentenced to 18 months in jail, had been about two years ago.
When allowed to speak, Ahmad immediately sought forgiveness from Asharan and her family, explaining that alcohol had played a major role in his robbery attempt.
After listening to all of the facts, Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry deliberated on an adequate sentence for Ahmad. After taking into consideration a number of factors, including the defendant’s age, fervent apologies, as well as the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the fact that Ahmad had pleaded guilty to his crime, a sentence of 18 months imprisonment was decided upon.
