Two men accused of stealing over $600,000 in jewellery and clothing from a boutique in Mahdia, were yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on a break and enter charge.
It is alleged that on November 25, in Mahdia, Norbert Beckles, 22, and Dequan Chapel, 18, both of Wismar, Linden, broke and entered the business place of Allison McPherson and stole a quantity of jewellery and clothes valued $650,000, property of the said McPherson.
Beckles and Chapel were not required to plead to the indictable charge.
Facts from the prosecution stated that on the date in question around 22:00 hrs, McPherson secured her business and left to go home.
Prosecutor Seon Blackman stated that when McPherson arrived the next day, she saw her premises had been broken into and later discovered the said articles missing. She reported the matter to the M
ahdia Police Station and the police subsequently arrested Beckles who provided them with additional information leading to the arrest of Chapel.
He further stated that the police collected some of the articles found on Beckles’ person, but nothing was found on Chapel.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry then enquired as to what was Chapel’s involvement in the offence.
Blackman in response said that the police acted upon information given by his co-accused.
Prosecution objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence. The magistrate then granted Chapel bail in the sum of $100,000, while Beckles was refused bail.
The men will make their next court appearance on December 18 in Court One for reports and fixtures.
