An accused chain snatcher was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
Jamal Letlow, 20, a fish vendor of West Ruimveldt was charged with stealing a gold chain valued $25,000 from a 14-year-old girl on December 14, at High Street Georgetown,
Prosecutor Adduni Inniss objected to the defendant being granted his pretrial liberty citing the gravity and prevalence of the offence. Inniss further noted that the virtual complainant is a minor.
In relating the police’s facts the prosecutor told the court that about 09:00 hrs on the day in question, the VC in company with her sister boarded a minibus at the Stabroek area, destined for Grove, East Bank Demerara.
The defendant joined the said vehicle and when it stopped on High Street, used the opportunity to snatch the chain from child and run away. Public-spirited citizens raised an alarm and a policeman in the vicinity subsequently discharged a round in the direction of the defendant, hitting him in the upper left thigh which led to him being arrested.
He was then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and discharged. Inniss said the chain was not recovered.
Magistrate Annette Singh upheld the prosecution’s objection to bail and Letlow was remanded to prison until January 13, when his trial will commence.
Meanwhile, the defendant’s sister who sat through the hearing in the courtroom, amidst emotions, asked the magistrate for permission to compensate the VC $25,000 for the chain. She raised concerns over her brother’s injury, noting that he was in the lockups for three days and did not receive the necessary dressing required for the gunshot wound. Letlow who appeared unable to walk unaided, also became emotional and expressed concern over not receiving the dressing.
However, the magistrate remained unmoved whilst advising that the police will make provision for him to receive medical attention.
