One of the three men accused of stealing over a million dollars in jewellery and cash from an Essequibo businessman was sentenced to four years in jail today.
Marlon Vossey, 20, of No. 5 Village, West Coast Berbice, and Shaquille McDonald, 21, of Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, appeared today at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Crystal Lambert read the charge to them.
The charge alleges that on October 15, while armed with a gun, they robbed Charles Henry at Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, of $1.5 million cash and three gold chains valued $380, 000.
Vossey pleaded guilty, while McDonald pleaded not guilty. Vossey was then sentenced to four years behind bars. His co-accused was remanded until November 8.
According to the police, at about 1.30 am on the date in question, three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, broke into the man’s house. Police said one of the bandits pointed the gun at the man’s head, while another hit him in the face. The man somehow managed to run upstairs and raised an alarm. This resulted in the bandits escaping with the cash and jewellery.
Following the robbery, the men attempted to escape via the Supenaam Creek, but were apprehended by public-spirited citizens and later handed over to the police.
Vossey also faced a possession of firearm without a licence charge and he pleaded guilty to this charge. He was sentenced to four years behind bars and fined $100,000. The sentences will run concurrently, so he will only serve four years in total.
The other man who was apprehended is hospitalised and he is expected to be charged on a later date.