TWENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD, gold miner, Garfield France of Lot 118 Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman on a simple larceny charge alleging that, between August 20 and 21, at Blue Mountain, Cuyuni River, Essequibo, he stole 11.6 penny weights of raw gold, valued at $121,800, property of Bernard Singh, also called “Mosquito”.

Represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Keavon Bess, France pleaded not guilty to the charge, and in a brief bail application, his attorney requested surety in a reasonable sum, and guaranteed the court that his client would attend his trial.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not object to bail, but asked that same be substantial.

France was placed on $100,000 bail, and will make his next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on September 8.