ACTING Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle yesterday imposed monetary penalties on both the thief and receiver in a larceny case.

Troy Jackman, 41, of Lot 451 North East La Penitence was fined $30,000 with the alternative of 18 months imprisonment for the theft and Floyd Luke, 46, of Lot 26 Robb Street, Bourda, also in Georgetown, was ordered to pay $3,000 court costs.

They each pleaded guilty, Jackman to stealing a black haversack containing one Guyana passport and other things, with a total value of $25,000, property of Robert Nickel, on May 9 and Luke to receiving the haversack, knowing it to be stolen.

Jackman said he stole the haversack and took it to Luke, who gave him $300, because he needed money to go and see his sick son.

Luke said he was just trying to help Jackman and was not aware that the haversack had been stolen.

The virtual complainant, who was present in Court, said Jackman frequently visits the church where the offence was committed and it was not the first time a bag went missing in the congregation.