MARK Khanhai, 44, of Lot 5 Industry, East Coast Demerara, has been charged with maliciously damaging property.

The accused ‘trunker’ (one who steals from unattended motor vehicles) pleaded not guilty, when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday, denying that, on November 7, he damaged one ‘Hilux’ motor car door lock worth $70,000, property of Minette Stephens.

The virtual complainant said she was at a Water Street, Georgetown supermarket, when she saw the defendant pulling at the door.

She said, as she approached the vehicle, the defendant was already in it and someone else, in a car behind, was telling him to take a bag.

Stephens said, when Khanhai observed her approaching, he tried to escape but public-spirited citizens apprehended him.

Defence Counsel Vic Puran said Khanhai wished to settle the matter by making restitution but Stephens refused the $70,000 and indicated she would proceed with the prosecution, because the defendant would do similarly to other people.
He was put on $75,000 bail until November 23.