A 20-year-old robbery convict appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with snatching a policeman’s chain.
William Goodasaul, 20, of Lot 494 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied the charge of robbery with aggravation. It is alleged that on June 11 at Camp and Quamina streets, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, he robbed Ronaldo Torres of one gold chain valued $150,000.
According to the police prosecutor, Goodasaul is known to the police since he was charged for a similar offence and that matter is presently ongoing. The accused is currently on bail on the condition that he reports to the police which he has not done.
The court heard that on the day in question at about 1600 hours, Torres was walking along Camp Street when he observed the accused ride past on a motor scooter and stop on the same side of the street while looking at him. Another man then approached Torres and punched him in the ribs causing him to fall on the roadway. The same man then yanked off the gold chain, ran to where the accused was seated on the motor scooter, and jumped onto the back and they both fled the scene.
The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched. On June 12 at about 1300 hours, Torres was part of an elections patrol when he observed the accused on the same motor scooter. He promptly informed the patrol commander and the accused was stopped and told of the allegation. He denied robbing Torres but admitted that he was the person who was riding the scooter. He was arrested and the motor scooter impounded.
Magistrate McGusty then asked Goodasaul what he had to say for himself and he responded, “My worship, I got a son who is just three weeks old, I don’t trouble nothing for nobody, I came out of jail three weeks ago for a similar matter like this and I am trying to be a changed person, I’m just begging to be put on bail.”
The court also heard that during the trial on March 20, for a similar crime, the defendant changed his plea to guilty and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Bess. He also served six months in prison.
The police prosecutor, Quincy Lacon, objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence coupled with the fact that the defendant has been charged three times before for robbery and convicted once. All this in addition to the fact that his accomplice had escaped from lawful custody three days ago and the statement of an eyewitness.
The magistrate concurred with the prosecutor and as such, bail was refused.
Goodasaul is expected to make his next court appearance on July 12.
