Labourer remanded after accused of $1.7M armed robbery

A labourer accused of robbery under arms was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The allegation against Travis Bynoe, 29, of Lot 16 Tucville is that on January 16, at Laing Avenue being armed with a gun, he robbed Fred James of two gold chains with pendants valued $1,200,000, a gold band valued $100,000, $160,000 in cash and US$600 along with other items all totaling $1,700,000.

Travis Bynoe
Travis Bynoe

Bynoe who was unrepresented by an attorney pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
The prosecutor, Police sergeant Kerry Bostwick in relating the facts of the matter to the court said that on the day in question at about 10:00hrs, James was standing in front of his gate when the defendant along with others approached him with the handgun and demanded that he hand over the articles.

Bostwick added that James became fearful and gave the men the articles and they made good their escape. The matter was reported to the police and Bynoe was subsequently arrested.

Bostwick objected to the defendant being released on bail citing the nature and seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts.  He also stated that if Bynoe is granted bail he might not return to court to stand trial.
The matter was adjourned until April 26.