Man remanded over cell phone theft

A man who allegedly stole a cell phone from a taxi driver was yesterday remanded to prison, when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation before Sean Yhap is that on March 15, at Water Street he stole a Samsung phone valued at $75,000, property of Dwayne Peters.

Yhap, who was unrepresented by counsel pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell.

Police Corporal Denise Booker in relating the facts of the matter told the court that the virtual complainant (VC), is a taxi driver. She said that on the day in question Yhap, who was holding a box in his hand, stopped the VC’s car at Lombard Street. She said Yhap placed the box in the car and asked to be taken to Water Street.

Booker further related that on arrival at Water Street, Yhap asked the VC to borrow his phone and disappeared with it. She said Peters alerted the police who were in the vicinity and gave them a description of the accused.

Yhap was later apprehended by the police, but he did not have the phone.

Booker objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts.

The magistrate then inquired from Yhap if he had any pending matters or previous convictions and he replied that he was once convicted for manslaughter.

He was refused bail.

The matter was adjourned until Thursday.