Isaacs Perreira appeared yesterday at the George-town Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, where he was charged with simple larceny.
It is alleged that on June 26, at Republic Bank, Water Street, Georgetown, Perreira stole $10,000 belonging to Petuella Clarke.
The defendant pleaded guilty with explanation. He told the court that he is homeless and he stole the money to buy food and fruits since he has to eat before he takes his medication.
The court heard that Clarke was at Republic Bank withdrawing money from its ATM, when Perreira approached her and requested $100. She then turned to take the $100 from her bag and the defendant, taking advantage of the distraction, grabbed the money from the machine and escaped. The matter was reported to the police and the defendant was identified and contacted at which time he admitted to the offence. He was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody.
The police prosecutor objected to bail, however, the magistrate saw it fit to grant the defendant self-bail.
The virtual complainant, Clarke, told the court that even though she was kind enough to give him the money he asked for she still wants justice. “I just want my $10,000 back”, she said.
The defendant reassured the court that he would repay the virtual complainant on September 04 since he usually gets his Public Assistance money on that date.
He was then ordered by the magistrate to lodge his identification card and Public Assistance book until September 04.
Perriera is expected to make his next court appearance on September 04.
