A 21-year-old Layou Street man yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to commit a felony when it was read to him by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on April 19 at Georgetown, Levi Braithwaite of 2177 Layou Street, North Ruimveldt attempted to rob Nicola Gomes of one cell phone valued $55,000.

Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan who represented the defendant stated  that his client had no antecedents and made an application for bail to be granted in a reasonable sum. The lawyer said also that his client was not arrested but went to the station of his own volition. According to Khan, the virtual complainant (VC) knows the defendant and they were talking on the day in question when her boyfriend approached and she raised an alarm, “making the defendant out to be a thief.”

The VC explained to the court, however, that she does not know the defendant. According to her, they were travelling in the same mini bus and when she stopped the bus at Camp Street and exited, Braithwaite came out as well.

She said further that as she was walking, Braithwaite came from behind and held on to her hand  with the cell phone and ordered her to remain quiet and hand over the phone. However  she  raised an alarm and public-spirited persons gave chase and the defendant was arrested and later charged.

Police Corporal Munilall Seetaram objected to bail on the grounds that the offence had become  prevalent. Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith then interjected in support of Seetaram’s request for a denial of bail. According to Griffith, the defendant had given conflicting addresses, noting that the one given to the court was different to what was told  to the police upon his arrest.

She pointed out also that he had told the court that he was a shop attendant but told the police that he was a mini-bus conductor. Such conflicting stories, Griffith noted, pointed to the fact that the defendant was not trustworthy and would not be easily found if bail were to be considered.

Braithwaite was, however, subsequently placed on $30,000 bail and his matter was transferred to Court Two for June 9.