An 18-year-old army rank accused of robbing a 13-year-old girl of her cellphone while armed with a broken bottle, was yesterday released into the custody of his commanding officer until his next court hearing.
It was alleged that Naiasi Jones, while in the company of another and armed with a bottle, on May 22, at Kitty, robbed Jerlana McKenzie of a cellphone valued $60,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution stated that the victim was attacked by Jones and another while she was on her way home. Jones was said to have been the one who had the broken bottle in hand and the two threatened the girl and relieved her of the cellphone. The device was later recovered on his person.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan adjourned the matter to June 2, for report and transferred it to Court 11, where Magistrate Annette Singh presides.