Mechanic denies stealing wood carving set

A man accused of stealing a wood carving set from  National Hardware store was yesterday placed on $25,000 bail when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on July 17 at Georgetown, Albert Barkat, 42, of 32 ‘A’ Barrack Street, Kingston stole one wood carving set valued $8,000, property of National Hardware.

The mechanic pleaded not guilty to the charge of simple larceny when it was read to him by the acting chief magistrate.

When given a chance to respond, the defendant pleaded with the magistrate to be granted bail so that he would be back at work since he has his children to maintain.

Clyde Charles, a representative of National Hardware, told the court that on the day in question he noticed the defendant walking past the cashier with a very suspicious look on his face.

Charles said that he confronted the defendant who denied having any item  belonging to National Hardware in his possession.

Charles said, however, that after conducting a search the wood carving set was found tucked in the defendant’s pants waist.

Barkat was later placed on $25,000 bail and ordered to return to Court Three on August 14.