A robbery charge against a 25-year-old mason was yesterday dismissed after he begged his victim to drop the charge and accept compensation for the articles he stole.
Initially Osafa Johnson was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 by Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court Six for a robbery offence.
The charge alleged that on August 27th, 2019 at Jackson Street, North Ruimveldt, while in the company of others, Johnson, robbed Howard McPherson of a phone valued $40,000 and $20,000 cash.
Johnson denied the charge and told Magistrate Bess he was a father of two minor children and lives at Lot 707 North Ruimveldt. He also told the Magistrate if he is granted bail he would willingly lodge his passport.
Prosecutor Christopher Morris objected to bail citing the seriousness and nature of the offence along with the penalty the offence attracts.
Despite his objections, however, the magistrate granted Johnson bail for reasons which he stated.
Subsequently Prosecutor Morris asked that conditions be attached to the bail and requested that Jackson report to the station Sergeant or person in charge at the East La Penitence Police station every day at 3 pm. The magistrate agreed and told Johnson he would have to pay the bail and adhere to the conditions mentioned.
Johnson, after hearing how much money he would have to meet to be granted his pre-trial liberty, begged the magistrate to reduce the bail amount. However, the magistrate refused, telling him that he was lucky to be granted bail for such an offence on the first court date. Upon hearing this, Johnson turned to McPherson, who was present in court, and begged him to drop the charge and accept compensation for the articles he took.
“Please, please, I only have fifty thousand, I will pay you back,” he begged. After a few minutes McPherson acquiesced and told him he would accept $60,000. In the presence of the magistrate and members of the court, Johnson’s grandmother handed over the money and Magistrate Bess dismissed the matter.
