NARESH Alli of Lot 44 Durban Street Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer a simple larceny charge.He pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which stated that on December 2, at Robb Street, Georgetown, he stole one car mirror valued $30,000, property of Anthony Zales.

Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, told the court that on the day in question, at around 19:30 hrs, the victim parked his motor car, PRR 1177, on Water Street, Georgetown and proceed to his office for a meeting. Someone subsequently saw the defendant stealing the car mirror, raised an alarm, and public-spirited citizens apprehended the defendant.

The defendant’s story was that he saw something glittering on the road, and was about to pick it up when another man said, “Hey! Drop the thing!” Alli claimed that he had no intention of stealing the mirror. He also said the VC lashed him to his head with a gun.

Anthony Zales, the virtual complainant (VC), explained that on the day in question he saw the defendant receiving a thrashing and he rescued him from his attackers. He said he inquired from the defendant where he had carried the other mirror, since he had already stolen the other side mirror, and Alli responded that his uncle’s car had been stripped. Zales added that a police officer called him and asked him to give Alli another chance, since Alli is her brother-in-law.

Zales also said an elderly woman had witnessed the entire mirror theft incident, but he does not wish at this time to reveal her identity, since she is living alone and is fearful for her life.
Prosecutor Mangru successfully objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the fact that Alli poses a flight risk if granted bail, as he may not return for his trial.

Alli was refused bail and the matter stands adjourned until December 9.