FORTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD weed cutter, Ronald Subraj of Cumming’s Lodge, East Coast Demerara appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to stealing jewellery during the Delph Street, Campbellville fire of June 16 last.

Particulars of the offence for which he has been charged stated that on June 16, at Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, he stole a quantity of gold jewellery valued at $1.26M, and a quantity of silver jewellery valued at $100,000, property of Odessa St. Hill.

Police Corporal Bharat Mangru, prosecuting, informed the court that the facts of the matter are as stated in the charge, but he did not oppose bail.

Subraj was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat, who informed the court that, on the day in question, the victim’s house was burning down at Delph Street, and Subraj was asked to assist in carrying out the jewellery. He said Subraj had no intentions of stealing anything.

Counsel said his client is not a bailiff, nor is he responsible for the items, since some may have fallen out of his pocket or were burnt in the fire.

The prosecutor confirmed that all the items had been recovered, and based on that fact alone, defence counsel said, he is requesting that his client be placed on minimal bail.

The defendant was placed on $100,000 bail, and will have to return to court on July 11 for statements.