Teen handyman denied bail on armed robbery charges

Mario D’Aguiar
Mario D’Aguiar

A 19-year-old handyman was remanded to prison yesterday by acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus after being charged with robbing two women in armed attacks.

It is alleged that Mario D’Aguiar, of 1 Smyth and D’Urban streets, on June 8th, at Princes Street, Georgetown, in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Tracey Salvatore of a cellphone, valued at $85,000. It is also alleged that on the same day and in the same area, he robbed Sonia Thomas of a cellphone, valued $23,000.

D’Aguiar denied both charges.

His lawyer, Lawrence Harris, requested bail given D’Aguiar’s youth and the fact that he had never been convicted of a crime before. Police Prosecutor Adduni Inniss, however, objected to bail being granted given that a gun was used in the robbery. She also informed the court that Thomas’ phone was found in D’Aguiar’s possession.

Meanwhile, the two women, who reside in the interior, asked to have the matter dismissed due to the far distance they would have to travel to give statements. However, the magistrate informed them that they could give their statements via Skype. The acting Chief Magistrate subsequently refused D’Aguiar bail and the matter was adjourned until June 18th.