A baker was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with nine counts of armed robbery and discharging a loaded firearm with intent to commit murder.
Among the charges laid against Omalla Williams, 26, was the armed attack on a visiting group of American citizens, who were robbed at gunpoint.
It was alleged that on July 27th, at Leopold and Breda streets, Werk-en-Rust, in the company of others and armed with a gun, Williams robbed Dennis Grant, taking two gold chains, valued $1.8 million, and a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, valued $71,000; Christina Gaines-Sluss, 45, whom he relieved of US$1,300; Joe Hughes, 60, from whom he took US$800; Darlene Gaines, 64, from whom he took a Samsung Galaxy S8 cellphone, valued $140,000; and Daisy Gaines-Sluss, 19, taking an MP3 player, valued $5,000.
Police had previously stated that Hughes, Gaines, and the two Gaines-Sluss women, who are all US citizens, were robbed shortly after their arrival in Guyana. After being picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri they were transported to the city, where they were ambushed, when their driver reportedly slowed down in order to allow other vehicles to pass by. The gunman who attacked them reportedly pulled the key from the ignition of the minibus and he was then joined by four other men, who relieved all the occupants of the bus of their items and passports.
Meanwhile, it was further alleged that Williams on April 27th at Cross Street, in the company of others and armed with a gun, Williams robbed Janelle Walters of a quantity of gold jewellery, valued $300,000, a cellphone, valued $60,000 and other items, all totalling $450,000.
Williams was also charged with robbing Avril Crowther of $85,000 cash on the same date.
The court also heard that on April 24th, at Smyth Street, Williams robbed Dr Guy Lowe of $40,000 cash and that on April 30th, at Leopold Street, Williams, while armed with a gun, robbed Rodwell Maynard of $89,000 cash. On the latter date, the court heard that Williams discharged a loaded firearm at Damion Elliott, with intent to commit murder.
Williams was not required to offer a plea to any of the charges.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that police are still in search of the other persons who were with Williams when the robberies were committed. Williams was subsequently remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and the matters were all adjourned until August 27th.
