Vendor remanded over gold chain theft

A dog-food vendor was yesterday remanded to prison when he was taken before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a woman’s gold chain.

It is alleged that on June 1 at Georgetown, Shacka Nunes stole from the person of Avril Garrett one gold chain valued $135,000.

Nunes, 29, a father of three of 32 Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown denied the charge of larceny from the person when it was read to him.

Presenting the facts of the case, prosecutor Venetta Pindar said that the virtual complainant (VC) was on the day in question plying her trade selling a special wrapping paper when the incident occurred.

According to Pindar, the accused approached the VC to purchase one of the papers when he snatched her chain from round her neck and made good his escape.

The court heard that the complainant raised an alarm causing public- spirited persons to pursue the accused whom they subsequently apprehended.

He was then handed over to the police who later arrested and charged him.

The complainant told the court that she was compensated for her loss to the tune of $160, 000 and no longer wanted to give evidence in the matter.

The presiding magistrate however noted that even though the complainant testified that she was compensated and no longer wanted to proceed with the matter; the court can nonetheless compel her to give evidence.

When asked if it wanted to so proceed with the matter, the prosecution responded in the affirmative.

The accused was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, who made an application for bail, saying that his client had been beaten with pieces of wood and bicycle parts about his legs.

Bail was however refused and Nunes was informed that he would be remanded to prison.

The case will be called again on June 14.