A 20-year-old labourer was yesterday placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a break and enter and larceny charge. Mandela Phillips of Lot 440 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke- Linden Highway, denied the allegation that said on Thursday, August 28 at Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River, he broke and entered the storeroom of Saif and Sameera Eldorado Mining Company and stole therein one grease pump; four pairs struck cap shacks; six pairs caterpillar headlamps; 14 truck fuel injections; nine fuel pump elements; eight welding rods; two truck computer boxes; and three trucks supervision kits along with other items together valued at $8.9 M.
Representing the defendant was attorney-at-law, Ms. Konyo Thompson. She told the court that her client works as a labourer with the said company and has been servicing trucks for the past four years throughout Guyana, wherever there is a breakdown.
Defence counsel said on Saturday last, her client left to repair a truck at Mahaica and it is usual for him to receive information to collect various items for his boss. She explained that he was contacted by a person called Chris, who instructed him to collect some items; after he had called back Chris to enquire about the articles, his employer and the Mahaica Police came and arrested him.
She added that when the alleged offence took place, Phillips was with a manager in Linden.
Counsel said her client had been locked up since Monday last at the Mahaica Police Station and then taken to the McKenzie Police Station before he was brought to court. She noted that her client does not pose a flight risk since he does not have a passport.
Thompson requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that the defendant has been cooperating with the police and had been in custody for more than 72 hours. Additionally, his mother who was present in court will have to bear his expenses.
Police Prosecutor, Michael Grant did not oppose bail, but asked that a substantial amount of surety be granted with conditions attached.
However, the Chief Magistrate asked the prosecutor to investigate why the defendant had been held so long in custody. He will report every fortnight commencing on Friday, November 14 and the matter was transferred to the Kwakwani Court for November 21.