$250,000 bail for accused handbag thief

A teenager accused of robbing a woman at Agricola of her handbag and other items valued in excess of $300,000 was yesterday admitted to bail in the sum $250,000 after being arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation against Delroy Matthews is that on June 11 on the Agricola Public Road he stole from the person of Melica Quintin one shoulder bag, one BlackBerry cell phone, two digital cameras and one wallet, all totaling $331,500.

The 18-year-old, who resides at 84 Kaneville Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, denied the larceny from the person charge when it was read to him by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Presenting the facts of the case, Prosecutor Philip Sheriff told the court that on the day in question, the defendant and the complainant were travelling in the same minibus when the incident occurred after they disembarked.

The court was told by Sheriff that the accused was sitting two seats behind the virtual complainant. Upon exiting the bus, the court heard, he snatched the bag containing the items mentioned in the charge and made good his escape.

An investigation was subsequently launched which led to his arrest.

The prosecution had no objection to Matthews being granted his pretrial liberty. His matter will be called again on June 29.