Miner accused of stealing friend’s BlackBerry

A miner, who was accused of stealing his best friend’s phone, was yesterday placed on $50,000 bail, after he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a larceny charge.

It is alleged that on September 3, in Georgetown, Collin Richards, 22, of Lot 42 Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, stole a BlackBerry Curve smartphone, valued $55,000.

Richards pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, around 10:30pm, the virtual complainant (VC) was driving his car when he saw Richards and offered him a drop. Richards entered the car which had two other occupants.

Mansfield added that after VC dropped Richards off at his location, he discovered that his phone was missing. He then made a report at the Brickdam Police Station. Richards was subsequently arrested and charged.

Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, who made an appearance for the accused, said that his client was wrongfully accused, explaining that Richards was not the only passenger in the car at the time and no one else was detained over the matter.

The prosecution had no objections to bail.

Richards will make his next appearance on September 12 in Court 2.