An 18-year-old man, who has faced a string of robbery charges in the local courts, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with another theft and was again granted bail.
Chris Pollard appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied a charge of simple larceny. It is alleged that on August 5th at Croal Street, he stole from Saskia Pestano, a cellphone valued $35,000.
According to Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the woman was in a Route 48 minibus when the phone was snatched out of her hand. The bus had stopped for a passenger to get off and Pestano was sitting by an open window seat and on a call. Pollard allegedly ran up to the bus window and snatched the phone then ran away. However, he was caught by public-spirited persons who witnessed what had happened.
A report was filed at the Stabroek Market Police Outpost and a search was conducted on the 18-year-old. The prosecutor said that the cellphone was found on him and is currently lodged at the Brickdam Police Station.
Meantime, while addressing the court, Pollard gave conflicting information concerning his address and employment. The Chief Magistrate tried to get his fixed address from Pollard’s girlfriend who was present but she was of no help. However, Pollard was subsequently able to clear up the confusion and was eventually granted bail in the sum $15,000.
The chief magistrate then transferred the matter to Court 11 and it will be called again on August 27th.
In January, Pollard had appeared in court on a robbery with violence charge and was granted bail. In March, he faced five robbery charges. Last year, he was also charged with stealing his father’s gun and ammunition but the charges were dropped after the elder Pollard told the court that he no longer wished to proceed with the matter.
