A 29-year-old Venezuelan who allegedly held a knife to a woman’s throat in Mabaruma before robbing her of her money was yesterday remanded to prison.
Wilfredo Castello denied a charge, which stated that on October 19, at Thomas Hill, Mabaruma, North West District, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Sharon Cartier of $30,000.
The charge was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court One.
According to Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question, Cartier was walking to her home when she was attacked by Castello in the vicinity of Thomas Hill. After grabbing Cartier, Castello placed a knife to her throat and relieved her of her purse, which contained the cash. Castello then pushed Cartier to the ground and threatened to kill her before making his escape. Cartier subsequently made a report to the Mabaruma Police Station. She later identified Castello as the alleged perpetrator and he was arrested. After obtaining advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the charge was brought against the accused.
Castello, in his defence, via a translator said, “I did not rob her.” He told the court that he lives at the Mabaruma Wharf, where he works as a porter.
Meanwhile Mansfield objected to bail citing the fact that Castello failed to give the court a fixed place of abode. He also confirmed that Castello was given a temporary document by immigration officers at Mabaruma, making Castello’s presence in the country, legal.
The magistrate remanded Castello to prison and told him that he will make his next court appearance at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court on November 18.
