A MAN of Lot 49 Company Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, was refused bail on an armed robbery charge yesterday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. 

Marlon Providence, 19, pleaded not guilty to the offence that said on Saturday, March 15 at Stabroek, Georgetown, being in company of others, and armed with a gun he robbed minibus driver Jumapili Alfred of one gold chain, one gold band and one gold ring, together worth $425,000.
Police Inspector Joel Ricknauth, prosecuting, said on the day in question the virtual complainant (VC) was standing behind a minibus when the defendant in company of others pointed a gun towards him. Subsequently, they relieved him of the articles mentioned and made good their escape.
The prosecutor said, yesterday, the VC was driving his minibus when he saw Providence in the city. Shortly after he contacted a nearby police rank and the defendant was arrested.
The defendant was represented by attorney-at-law Natasha Vieira, who told the court that her client is employed with BK Interior Operations and clearly does not pose a flight risk. She said Providence does not have any prior or pending matter and at the time of the alleged robbery he was in the interior.
However, Prosecutor Ricknauth opposed bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and the fact that a weapon was allegedly used in the commission of the offence.
He was remanded to prison and the case was put off to May 23 for statements.

(By Geeta Rampersaud)