Woman stole US$, passport from reputed husband – court hears

A woman accused of stealing a sum of money and a passport from her reputed husband was yesterday placed on $20,000 bail after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation against Erica Alexander is that on December 9 at Georgetown, she stole a quantity of US$ currency and one Canadian passport, property of Randolph Skeete.

The 34-year-old janitor who resides at 163 Third Street, Tucville denied the allegation of simple larceny.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that the virtual complainant and the accused share a relationship that was at the brink of being severed and on the day in question they were in Skeete’s house.

According to Telford, the man had left the items stated in the charge in his suitcase and the defendant removed them when he turned his back.

A report was made at the police station and police were summoned to the scene. Based on investigations carried out, the prosecutor said, the accused was arrested and admitted committing the offence.

Attorney-at-law George Thomas who represented the defendant told the court that there are “certain peculiarities” surrounding the case which he would prefer to leave for the trial.

He then made an application for his client to be admitted to reasonable bail on the grounds that she has no antecedents, poses no risk of flight, has a fixed address and has been cooperating with the police in their investigations.

After listening to the attorney’s submission, the acting chief magistrate granted the woman her pretrial liberty in the sum of $60,000. Indicating that his client is of meagre means and would not be able to afford the bail, Thomas pleaded with the magistrate for a reduction to $20,000.

The prosecution had no objection and the woman was placed on $20,000 bail.

Her matter was transferred to Court Two for December 16 for reports and fixtures.