An alleged lumber thief was granted $100,000 bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, after he denied stealing a quantity of wood from a lumber yard.
Christopher Kumaji, 29, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge which stated that he, between March 6 and 7 at Georgetown, allegedly stole 250 bn lumber valued at $560,000 from the Raymond Dupurt Lumber Yard.
It was alleged that Kumaji, who is a horse-cart operator, previously worked with the lumber company and on the day in question, was caught with 178 bm lumber on his horse cart.
He was arrested and made aware of previous dates he was supposed to appear before the magistrate but had been absent. Police Prosecutor Leon Blackman objected to Kumaji being granted bail due to his absences, suggesting he might be a flight risk. Blackman also emphasised the prevalence, nature and conditions of the offence, saying such crimes deserve a reasonable penalty.
Upon careful consideration of the offence, the magistrate granted Kumaji bail at $100,000 on the condition that he lodges his passport and reports to the Ruimveldt Police Station at 9 am every Friday until the matter is settled.
The matter was adjourned until July 10.
