MARK Johnson, 18, of Lot 287 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was remanded to prison yesterday on a robbery under arms charge. Before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell, he was not required to plead to the indictable offence, particulars of which stated that, on October 6, being armed with a knife, he robbed Olinda Griffith of a handbag valued at $3,000 and $8,000 in cash.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Gordon Gilhuys, representing the accused, argued that it is a case of mistaken identity and pointed out that Johnson is retarded.
“There is no way he can rob somebody with a knife,” the lawyer contended.
Gilhuys said the case will be dismissed because the virtual complainant went to the home of the accused and told his mother that she does not want to pursue the matter.
Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, however, successfully objected to bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the crime.
The prosecutor said the investigating officer reported that relatives of the accused went to the virtual complainant’s home and threatened to kill her if she appears in court.
Johnson was refused bail and the case will be called again on October 17.