Shaquan John, 23, of Lot 108 ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus to answer to the charge of armed robbery.
It is alleged that on July 24, at Church and East streets, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a knife, John robbed Nezella Alleyne of one Apple iPhone 6s cellular phone, valued $40,000.
The court heard that on the day in question, Alleyne and her friend left work and went to the corner of Church and Albert streets and purchased food. While at the corner, they observed John and his accomplice who was armed with a knife, coming from behind them on two bicycles. On reaching the complainant and her friend, the accused dismounted and attacked them. The friend ran away while the complainant fell on the ground. The accomplice then held her at knife point, while the accused relieved her of her cellular phone. The robbers then rode away heading north on East Street. Public-spirited persons who observed the incident immediately gave chase, while the complainant upon seeing a police patrol, raised an alarm. The patrol responded and apprehended the accused, while his accomplice fled. The accused was searched and the complainant’s phone was discovered on his person.
The police prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, and the fact that the defendant attempted to mislead the police by giving another name other than his own.
The magistrate asked the defendant why he should be granted bail and he responded, “It wasn’t me that rob the girl and them police didn’t find me with no phone.”
Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to August 16.
