Accused in $2M theft says victim didn’t have anything of such value

A man was on Monday remanded to prison after he was accused of stealing over $2 million in property, including a Bedford truck, from his supposed employer.

Magistrate Judy Latchman read the charge to Norman Phillips, who allegedly stole a Bedford truck, a winch, a battery and a quantity of wares, all valued at $2,060,000. The items were the property of Aubrey Barnwell. Phillips, who claimed to be a consultant among other things, denied the allegation levelled against him.

When granted the opportunity to speak, he told the court that he was working with Barnwell for over a year and that nothing in his home was of such great a value.

Norman Phillips

He also stated that he currently has another matter before Magistrate Annette Singh. Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonslaves objected to the granting of bail, whille citing the seriousness of the offence, the quantity of the items stolen and the penality the offence attracts.

Phillips, of 2084 Nutmeg Street, was later remanded to prison until March 20.

When he heard that he was remanded, he asked why, while noting that he committed no crime. He subsequently requested that his wife call his brother, who he claimed is an adviser to the president.