TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD, Shaka Dukes of Lot 32 Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry accused of robbing a woman of a $135,000 gold chain in his own neighbourhood.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence which said that on Saturday, June 1, at Lyng  Street, Charlestown, he robbed Avril Garret of one gold chain valued $135,000.
Police Sergeant Vernetta Pindar, prosecuting, told the court that the virtual complainant (VC) was in the yard when the accused came up to her and snatched the gold chain. He was apprehended and beaten by public-spirited citizens.
According to the VC she was compensated in the amount of $160,000 and so she did not wish to offer evidence against Dukes. However, after testifying Garret told the court that she was compelled to make the decision that she did.
Attorney-at-law Mr. Paul Fung-a-fat who represented the defendant requested bail for his client.
The prosecutor successfully objected to bail, citing the penalty attached to the crime and the case was put off until June 14.