Stallholder robbed same man at gunpoint in two separate incidents – court hears

A stallholder arraigned on two counts of armed robbery against the same virtual complainant in two separate incidents was remanded to prison yesterday after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation against Jason Adams is that on May 9 at Georgetown, being armed with a gun, he robbed Mannick Samaroo of two cell phones and a quantity of cash totalling $654,000.

It is also alleged that on March 11 at Georgetown also, being armed with a gun, Adams robbed Samaroo of a bag valued $2,500 and $1.2 million.

The stallholder of 58 Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown denied the charges when they were read to him.

Police Corporal Venetta Pindar who presented the prosecution’s facts said that on March 11 the VC who is a businessman had just exited his business place when the accused and another man walked up to him and demanded the bag and cash, after which they made good their escape.

The court then heard that on May 9, the VC saw the accused and as he took out his cell phone to call the police, the accused approached him, placed a gun to his abdomen and relieved him of the cell phones and cash.

A police report was made which led to Adams being subsequently arrested and charged.

Pindar said Adams was placed on an identification parade and the VC positively identified him.

The prosecution objected to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty stating that he has pending matters before the court and while on bail allegedly committed another offence. Pindar argued that if granted bail, there is a likelihood that the defendant may commit similar offences.

The prosecution contended too that the offence is serious and prevalent.

The unrepresented accused was remanded to prison until July 11.