Man tried to sneak phone to prisoner girlfriend

Typhon Sampson, the boyfriend of the court clerk accused of stealing $3M from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, was yesterday remanded to prison after he allegedly tried to sneak a cell phone to her at the East La Penitence Police Station.

Sampson, of Lot 14 Supply, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to three charges read against him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that on November 17, at the East La Penitence Police Station, Sampson, supplied a cell phone to Tiffany Peters, a prisoner at the Police Station.

It was also alleged that at the same place he unlawfully and maliciously damaged a mesh, valued $10,000, which was property of the Police Station. The third charge stated that at the same place, he unlawfully assaulted Neighbourhood Police Officer Grant who was acting in the execution of his duties.

Meanwhile, Deandre Sampson, brother of the defendant and who also lives at Lot 14 Supply, was charged as well with unlawfully assaulting Officer Grant at the same place.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said that Sampson went to the East La Penitence Police Station to visit Peters, his girlfriend, in the company of his brother, Deandre.

Mangru said that during the visit, he went to the northern side of the building where the jail cells are situated and ripped the mesh at one of the windows. He allegedly then threw a cell phone through the window and it was picked up by Peters.

Mangru said Sampson was seen committing the act by Officer Grant, who attempted to arrest him, which led to him assaulting the officer. His brother, Deandre, then came to his assistance, assaulting the officer as well, the prosecutor added. Mangru noted that the cell phone was recovered.

Attorney Clyde Forde, who represented both brothers, said that they were not flight risks but the Chief Magistrate refused bail and remanded them to prison until December 17.