Accused of robbing a University of Guyana (UG) guard, a man yesterday told a court that he was drunk and could not remember what he had done on the day in question.
Sherwin Fileen, 23, of Lot 21 Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was charged with using a knife to rob UG security guard Jacqueline Johnson of her $20,000 cell phone.
Fileen pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Better Hope Community Centre, where the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court is temporarily being held.
Police Prosecutor David Goodridge objected to bail for the defendant, while noting that he was previously charged with breaking and entering together with a larceny offence. Moreover, he said Fileen lied about his address, which he told police was the Cummings Lodge Cemetery.
According to Goodridge, Johnson was in the vicinity of the university when she was held up by Fileen, who took away her cell phone and then ran away. Johnson quickly raised an alarm and a group of public-spirited persons caught up with Fileen and took him to the Turkeyen Police station. The cell phone was later retrieved by the police, the prosecutor added.
According to Fileen, when the alleged incident occurred, he was under the influence of alcohol and as a result he was unable to remember what he did on that day.
Fileen was subsequently remanded to prison by the magistrate, who adjourned the matter to April 1 for statements.
