Street dweller charged over $5M theft

A 40-year-old man who allegedly broke and entered the dwelling place of another man and stole items valued in excess of $5 million was remanded to prison yesterday after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation is that on September 22 at Georgetown, Terrence Joseph and Lance Duncan broke and entered the dwelling place of Fizal Ali and stole an electrical appliance, one carpet, five air conditioning units, two sinks, one water pump and one central air unit, all valued in excess of $5 million.

Joseph, the number one accused, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. In presenting the facts Prosecutor Lionel Harvey told the court that on the day in question Joseph and Duncan were seen moving the items from the premises. He said further that a public-spirited citizen who saw what was occurring contacted the police station and made a report. The police later apprehended the two accused and questioned them about their presence at the premises.

However, Harvey said, the two men remained silent. The prosecutor further said that the number two accused escaped yesterday while the men were being transported to court.

The VC when given a chance to speak told the court that Joseph does not live in Plaisance but sleeps on the pavement in front of his premises.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant did not give an address and if granted bail it is likely that he will not return to court to stand trial.

The defendant then told the court that he is not in any position to give a proper address because he sleeps on the streets.

An arrest warrant was issued for the number two accused who escaped yesterday. The number one accused was remanded to prison and the matter will be called again on October 18.