ORLANDO Lawrence, a miner of Lot 643 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on Friday placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for the allegation of robbery-under-arms, to which he pleaded not guilty.

He told Chief Magistrate that he could not afford the quantum of bail, but she told him that although the sum involved was only $400, the offence was a serious one.

Particulars of his charge state that on March 12, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, being armed with a knife, he robbed Sherwin Clarke of $400.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said the men know each other from prison time they had each served. At about 22:45 hrs that day, Clarke was at the Ferry Stelling when the defendant approached him; took out the knife, which he placed to Clarke’s neck; and removed the money from Clarke’s pocket.

The defendant, Lawrence, told the court that Friday was his birthday, and that he works in the interior. He said that on the day in question, he had given Clarke the money to purchase something for him. Clarke left with his bicycle, but after three hours he encountered him in Georgetown, and Clarke willingly returned his money.

Lawrence was granted bail despite the prosecutor’s objection. One condition for his pre-trial liberty was that he should report to the Brickdam Police Station every fortnight, commencing on March 28.

The case was put off to April 11.
(Geeta Rampersaud)