THIRTY-nine-year-old computer programmer Damien Bailey of Lot 336 Craig, East Bank Demerara appeared Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore, charged with allegedly trying to obtain a Samsung S5 cellphone by falsely pretending that he had been sent for same by Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali.This offence was allegedly committed on January 29 last when, with intent to commit a felony, Bailey went to the A&M Electronics Store in Georgetown, and falsely pretended to Celia Mars that he had been sent by Minister Ali to obtain one Samsung S5 cellphone, knowing same to be false.

Bailey pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by the magistrate, but, given opportunity to respond, he tired to change his plea, citing that should he enter the guilty plea, there is a strong likelihood that he would not be sent on remand.

He pointed out that it was all an allegation, citing that he was once convicted for an offence of a similar nature and he had served 13 years in prison.

“Being in Camp Street prison, my Worship, I have learnt my lesson. I am guilty of this because being in remand is a hard thing,” Bailey told the court.

The defendant, who could barely stand, told the court that he is currently suffering from “sickle cell”, and that his illness is currently being treated at the hospital.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, however, said the facts of the case are as stated in the charge. He objected to bail being granted the defendant on ground that the defendant had been charged for a similar offence; and if granted bail, he opined, a strong possibility exists that the defendant would commit the offence again.

Bailey was nevertheless placed on $75,000 bail, and will have to return to court on Thursday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.