Accused in New Thriving metal theft gets bail

Mohan Ramkissoon was yesterday placed on $5,000 bail after he denied stealing three pieces of iron from the old New Thriving Restaurant building at the corners of Camp Street and Brickdam.

At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry heard that Ramkissoon, on June 25, at Georgetown, stole three pieces of iron, which were valued $5,000, and were the property of Benty Zham.

When given a chance to respond, Ramkissoon said he had the items in his possession but added that he never took them from the building. He explained that he picked them up from a garbage heap alongside the road in front of the building.

Ramkissoon contended that the iron had been thrown away. According to him, even the owner of the property, who was subsequently contacted, confirmed that the pieces of iron were of no value to him.

Ramkissoon initially pleaded guilty to the simple larceny charge when it was read to him but the court entered a not guilty plea for him after he disputed the facts of the prosecution, which stated that he stole the iron off the building. Prosecutor Vernette Pindar said that a security guard observed Ramkissoon removing the items from the building.

Ramkissoon was placed on $5,000 bail and ordered to return to court on July 5.