Pardoned ex-con back in court on robbery charges

A former convict, who had received a presidential pardon, was remanded back to prison yesterday after he, along with another, was accused of committing robbery.

The court heard that Kester McPhoy, 22, of Lot 72 Independence Boulevard and Joshua Joseph, 30, of Lot 58 West Ruimveldt, robbed Kenesha Walton of a gold chain valued at $60,000 on February 13, at Stabroek. McPhoy and Joseph pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Meanwhile, it was also alleged that on January 19, at High Street, Georgetown, Joseph broke and entered the home of Osah Omarri and stole several items worth a total $123,000. Moreover, it was also alleged that on February 3, while being in custody at the Brickdam Police Station, he escaped from Police Constable David. Joseph pleaded not guilty to the breaking and entering charge, but guilty to escaping the custody of a police officer.

 Kester McPhoy
Kester McPhoy
Joshua Joseph
Joshua Joseph

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the nature and the gravity of all three of the offences. He told the court that McPhoy was one of the prisoners who were recently pardoned by the president.

In relation to Joseph, the prosecutor told the court that on February 3, he was being escorted by the police to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of robbery, when he somehow managed to escape. However, the police acting on information, went to the Stabroek Market on February 15, and re-arrested Joseph, the prosecutor added.

McPhoy and Joseph were subsequently remanded to prison until March 1, when the matter will be recalled in Court 11. Meanwhile, Joseph was found guilty of escaping police custody and breaking and entering and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.