Albouystown man denies $600,000 gold chain robbery

A labourer accused of a $600,000 gold chain robbery was yesterday remanded to prison after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The allegation against Shawn Monker is that on December 18 at Georgetown, being together with another person, he robbed Reaz Ali of one gold chain valued $600,000.

Monker who resides at 98 La Penitence Street, Albouystown denied the robbery charge when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question the virtual complainant (VC) was standing on the road when he was accosted by the accused who held onto his pants while his accomplice relieved him of the jewellery.

The court was told by Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey that an alarm was raised but the men made good their escape.

It was then related to the court that the VC who knows the accused from being around the Albouystown area made a report and gave police his description which led to him being arrested.

The prosecution objected to the accused being granted bail, citing that while being admitted to bail for another offence, a similar charge had now been brought against him.

If granted bail, the prosecution contended, there is likelihood the defendant would commit similar offences.

Harvey argued too that the accused may flee the jurisdiction and pose a difficulty in police finding him to return to stand trial.

The unrepresented Monker was then told that he would be remanded to prison. His matter was transferred to  Court Three for tomorrow.