A man alleged to be an accomplice in a failed robbery by a group of men, yesterday appeared in court charged with attempting to flee with the victim’s boat and engine.
A not-guilty plea was recorded by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Rayon Jones’s behalf after he denied committing the crime.
The charge against Jones stated that on December 20, 2014, in the Upper Mazaruni River, he stole a wooden boat, an outboard engine and a tank filled with gas all amounting to a total value of $1,340,000, property of Andre Mc Kenzie.
Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that the defendant and virtual complainant are known to each other. On the day in question at about 21:30 hrs, Jones in the company of others went to the virtual complainant’s home and attempted to commit a robbery, Mangru related. However, their plot was foiled after Mc Kenzie armed himself with a gun and dealt the men several lashes. In his bid to escape the blows, Jones, the prosecutor said, ran towards the river and disappeared with the complainant’s boat powered by an outboard engine. However, he was apprehended and arrested.
Mangru objected to bail stating that the defendant is currently on bail for a matter of similar nature before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. Additionally, he said, the accused was previously convicted of a similar charge and was admitted to the New Opportunity Corps, where he spent three years.
The prosecutor expressed doubt about the defendant’s willingness to return for trial while stating that Jones admitted to stealing the items in a caution statement and if given his pre-trial liberty might attempt to tamper with the witness since he is known to the complainant.
Jones was then remanded to prison until February 12, when he will appear at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
