A DUO charged with robbery were yesterday refused bail when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. Jermaine Daley, 22, of Lot 44 Cooper Street, Albouystown, and 22-year-old Akeem Charles, of Lot 178 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty.

Particulars of the first charge said that on Monday, May 25 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, being together, they robbed Bibi Razia of one shoulder bag, one purse, $35,000 in cash, one GBTI card and other documents together valued at $40,000. Additionally, on the same day at Agricola, being together, they robbed Bibi Khan of one gold chain, valued at $80,000.
Police prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told the court that on the day in question, around 10:45 hrs, Razia and Khan joined a route 42 minibus en route to Georgetown, and the two accused also joined the said minibus.
The court heard that Daley and Charles requested the driver to stop at Flour Mill Road, Agricola, after which the number one accused (Daley) dealt Khan several cuffs to her face and relieved her of a gold chain.
Meanwhile, the number two accused (Charles) took away the articles belonging to Razia. They subsequently made good their escape as the minibus driver took both victims to the police station.
Gonsalves said the driver returned with the police to search for the two accused and they were identified on a bicycle.
A search was conducted on both men and Daley was found with $16,500 in cash and a gold chain, while $13,500 in cash was found on Charles.
The prosecutor successfully opposed bail on the ground that if bail is granted, they may not return for trial. The Chief Magistrate therefore upheld the prosecutor’s objection and the case was adjourned to June 12, for report and the fixing of a trial date.
As both men exited the court chute, Daley attempted to escape lawful custody; an alarm was raised and police ranks that were present gave pursuit and recaptured him. (Geeta Rampersaud)