Three men were yesterday remanded to prison on an armed robbery charge after a court heard that one of them answered the victim’s door when police came knocking, while his accomplices were packing the booty.
The allegation against Keon Simon, 19, of Chapel Street, Charlestown, Akeem Marshall, 21 of Albouystown and Lionel Khudu, 22, of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown, is that on January 12, at La Penitence, Georgetown, being together and armed with a gun they robbed Anthony Rowel of a quantity of valuables and cash, amounting to $165,000 in total.
The men pleaded not guilty to the charge when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
Prosecutor Michael Grant said at about 3:15 am on Monday, Rowel was in his apartment when he heard a strange noise coming from his yard. Upon making checks, he discovered the three men in his yard. Khudu allegedly placed a gun to Rowel’s head, while the two others relieved him of his valuables.
However, Grant said someone saw what was transpiring and informed police who were on patrol. When the police arrived at Rowel’s house and knocked on the door, Khudu reportedly opened it, while the other two were seen in the house packing the stolen items. They were arrested and charged and the items were recovered.
The men were all represented by attorney Adrian Thompson, who made an application for reasonable bail. He said he was informed by his clients that they were walking around the vicinity when they saw some coconuts and stopped to have them. They also had a cutlass in their possession but it was used to cut the coconuts, he added.
Grant objected to bail based on the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. He also pointed out that a gun was used in the commission of the crime. Grant said because of the seriousness of the offence, if bail is granted the trio may not return for trial or may even tamper with the prosecution evidence.
Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned until January 20.
