ROYSTON James (no address given) was refused bail on a larceny from the person charge yesterday.

He first appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the offence, allegedly committed on September 22, 2011 at Croal Street Georgetown, when he stole from Akeem Calendar one gold hand band valued at $147,000.

The prosecution’s facts are that, on the day in question, the virtual complainant (VC) was walking in the vicinity of Croal Street, at around 18:30hrs, when the defendant rode past on a bicycle and snatched the article.

He made good his escape, but the matter was reported to the police.

James was apprehended only on July 24 last, after he was picked out in an identification parade.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant successfully opposed bail on the grounds of the nature and prevalence of the matter for which James has been charged. He also disclosed that the defendant was previously convicted and finished serving his sentence only last April.

Statements were ordered to be filed, even as the matter was transferred before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, before whom James will return to be tried on August 8.