A DIVER yesterday found himself in hot water when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry charged with stealing over $14 million in mining equipment from his brother.Particulars of the charge alleged that Satynand Persaud, between June 1 and May 16, stole a quantity of mining equipment from Anand Persaud valued $14.8 million. Persaud denied the charge when it was read to him.

According to police prosecutor Bharat Mangru the two parties are known to each other but they are not on speaking terms due to an argument between them.

The court heard that during November 2014, the virtual complainant went abroad and left the equipment in the care of a friend and upon his return he was informed that the defendant had removed the equipment.

The defendant, Mangru noted, had given a voluntary written statement to the police stating that he and two other friends were the ones who had removed the stolen articles.

The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness, prevalence and penalty attached to the offence. He also argued that because of the quantum of money involved in the charge there is a likelihood that the defendant will not return to stand trial.

The magistrate overruled the prosecution’s objection and bail was granted in the sum of $20,000 and the matter was transferred to Bartica Magistrate’s Court for June 11th.

Man stole peanuts in cutlass attack on vendor – court told

A MAN was yesterday refused bail after he allegedly stole peanuts and cash from a nut vendor while brandishing a cutlass.

Delroy Boyce pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on May 21 at Kingston, while being armed with a cutlass, he robbed Harifa October of two packs of parched nuts valued $200 and $3,000 in cash.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question October was selling peanuts from his push cart when the defendant came up with a cutlass and demanded one pack of nuts. After October refused he took the two packs of nuts and $3,000 in cash and threatened to kill him if he told anyone. He was later pointed out to the police and he was arrested and charged. Bail was refused for the Lindener until June 3.