A 22-year-old youth who was accused of robbing a Chinese national of $500,000, was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison after he admitted to the offence.
Shawn Bascom pleaded “guilty with explanation” to the charge, which stated that on June 9, at Falls Gas Station, located at the Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, while in the company of another, he robbed Zheng Teng Fei of $500,000 cash, which was the property of Chen Yeng, the owner of the Gas Station and before, after or during the said robbery, used personal violence on Fei.
In his explanation, Bascom stated that he had no intention of hurting anyone and was under the influence of alcohol. He told the court that he was unemployed for two weeks and he needed money. In addition, he said that the reason why he did it was because his grandfather was due to undergo surgery and he wanted to help pay the medical bills.
On the night in question, he related, a friend told him that he would help him get a job, which resulted in them meeting that night. In his frustration with his need for immediate cash, Bascom said that he grabbed the bag from Fei and tried to escape but a security guard attached to the gas station apprehended him, after which he was beaten by citizens.
According to prosecutor Seon Blackman, around 21:05 hours on the said date and in that location, Fei, who is the supervisor of the gas station, exited the building through the side door with a black plastic bag, which contained the cash, when he was attacked by Bascom and his accomplice. The accomplice then choked Fei, while Bascom grabbed the plastic bag. However, while trying to escape the scene, he was apprehended by a security guard.
Bascom was taken into police custody shortly after their arrival. He was told of the allegation and cautioned. In response, Bascom was quoted as replying, “No risk, no reward.”
Magistrate Faith McGusty noted his love for quotes and told Bascom, “He who takes the benefit must also take the burden,” and further noted that his burden would be three years in prison.
