A mason was on Friday arraigned on four counts of armed robbery where more than $2.2 million in cash and cellphones was taken.
The accused, Darren Browne, denied being involved in any such activity and stated that the phone he had in his possession may have been sold to him by one of the perpetrators of the crime. The man pleaded not guilty to all the charges read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
It was alleged that the defendant, 26, of 119 Regent Street, on October 23rd, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Kapil Harripersaud of $250,000 and US$400.
He was also charged with robbing Harripersaud of 34 cellphones valued at $1.5 million.
It was further alleged that on that same day, while also being in the company of others and armed with a gun, Browne robbed Kevin Moonsammy of a cellphone and cash, together worth $65,000.
The defendant was also required to answer to a fourth armed robbery charge, which stated that again on October 23rd, he along with others robbed Lawrence Aaron of an iPhone, a laptop, gold ring, and $160,000, bringing the amount taken to a total of $345,000 worth in items.
The prosecution objected to Browne being granted bail based on the seriousness of the offences, while warning that he may not return to court to answer to the charges.
When Browne had a chance to speak, the man could barely contain himself as he explained to the magistrate that the charges he had just been read were not what he was told he was making an appearance for. The man said that he had explained to the police that the phone he had in possession was one he had bought and that it may have been stolen. Browne stated that he offered to direct the police to the person who sold him the phone but he was arrested and charged for the crime anyway. According to the man, he was never placed on an identification parade before the charges were brought against him.
Magistrate Azore, after hearing the defendant’s side of the story, stated that she would not be granting bail but that he would return to court on November 5th for the continuation of the matter. Browne is set to make his next appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
