Nineteen-year-old Matthew Sylvain, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus where he was charged with armed robbery and escaping lawful custody.
It is alleged that on July 5, at Lamaha Park, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a handgun, Sylvain robbed Colin Hooper of one gold chain valued at $1.7 million and a gold band valued at $300,000.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
It is also alleged that on July 5, at Lamaha Park, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a handgun, Sylvain robbed Marlon Austin of one iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at $300,000, one gold chain with diamond pendant valued at $210,000 and two gold rings valued at $200,000.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
It is further alleged that on July 8, while being in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station pending investigation into robbery charges, the defendant escaped from lawful custody.
The defendant pleaded guilty with explanation. He told the court that he was very sorry for escaping from custody but had no knowledge of the robberies he was being accused of.
The court heard that Sylvain was in custody pending investigations. On July 8, at about 02.45 hours, the defendant along with another individual whose only given name was Tishawn, opened the padlock which was securing the lockups and fled from the Ruimveldt Police Station. On July 15, the accused was apprehended at Cambo and Success streets, Albouystown, Georgetown.
The court prosecutor objected to bail taking into consideration the nature of the offence and the fact that a dangerous weapon was used.
The magistrate refused bail and the matter was adjourned to August 2.
