A 60-year-old man was yesterday remanded to prison just hours after he was allegedly caught in the act of breaking into a parked car, while its owner was nearby transacting business.
However, Walter Campbell, of 18 Water Street, claimed that he was innocent of the charges levelled against him when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The charge against the father of four states that on January 27, at Church and Carmichael streets, he damaged a glass valued $35,000 on motor vehicle PLL 1864, which is the property of Roy Sierra.
Campbell was also charged with intent to commit a felony by attempting to steal from the vehicle.
Prosecutor Michael Grant said Sierra parked his car at the corner of Church and Carmichael streets and entered a GT&T building to transact business. He said Campbell then used the opportunity to break the right side glass of the car, unlocked it and entered the vehicle.
The prosecutor said Campbell was observed by a man, who was in another car parked in the vicinity. He was accosted by the man and other passersby, who assisted in holding the accused until Sierra returned.
The police were then summoned and Campbell was taken to court.
Grant objected to bail, while stating that more charges will likely be made against Campbell, who though never convicted was previously charged with similar offences.
However, Campbell’s attorney, George Thomas, argued that his client was never inside the car but was only passing along the area when an apparent misunderstanding occurred, which led to him being apprehended.
Thomas further pleaded with the court to consider reasonable bail for his client, who he said has no pending matter before the court nor any previous convictions.
Bail was subsequently refused and the matter was adjourned to February 6.
