A West Ruimveldt resident is now a remanded prisoner after being charged with attempting to sell a boat that he knew was stolen.
Steve Singh on Thursday denied the allegation that between August 19th and September 2nd, at Riverview, he received the boat, valued $200,000, knowing it to be stolen or unlawfully obtained. The boat was the property of R&S Fishing Enterprise. According to the police’s case, the boat was secured at R&S Fishing Enterprise by its owner, who discovered the boat and other articles missing the next day. However, after police received a tip, a sting operation was set up at Riverview to lure Singh and his accomplice with a promise to buy the boat. The accused was subsequently held while trying to sell the rank the stolen boat, police say.
Singh told city magistrate Faith McGusty that on the morning of September 2nd, he was at the riverside offering prayers when an unknown man asked for his assistance to pull a boat ashore and he was arrested. He added that as they made their way to police station, he fell asleep but when he woke up, his suspected accomplice was missing.
Although Singh told the court he was a mason, his claim was called into question as the police indicated that they are currently investigating the accusation that he is a known pirate.
Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted, while Singh begged the magistrate for leniency. The objections were upheld and Singh was refused bail and remanded to prison until September 18th.
While being escorted out of the courtroom, a teary-eyed Singh held on to his pregnant wife and urged her to keep strong until he is released.
