A WOUNDED gold miner was yesterday fined $80,000 or an alternative of three months’ imprisonment, after he pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Forty-year-old Deon Obermuller of Fifth Avenue, Bartica on November 29 at Croal Street, Georgetown stole a Power Master battery valued $60,000 belonging to Allister Parris, a licensed firearm holder.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that Obermuller is known to the police for committing similar crimes. On the day in question, Parris was informed that someone was on his premises.
On making a check, Parris saw Obermuller leaving with the battery in his hand. Another man was with him and both of them were armed with knives. The men advanced towards Parris with their weapons, and in defence, the firearm holder shot the convict on his knee.
The prosecutor told the court that the victim contacted the police and they apprehended Obermuller. The stolen article was recovered.
When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, Obermuller explained that he was merely trying to help out the man whom he had met on Camp Street. He explained that the man requested his help with something and he complied. He recalled that the man took him to the yard and they removed the battery. However, Obermuller stated that when Parris opened firearm his partner in crime ran away.