A MINER previously charged with abducting a Bhena’s Footwear employee was yesterday slapped with a charge of robbery with personal violence.Thirty-four-year-old Dexter John of La Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Demerara, made his appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge said that on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Regent Street, Georgetown, he robbed Leon Xanier Waaldijk of one Nokia cellular phone valued $40,000. In addition, at the same time or during the robbery he used personal violence on the victim.

Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers did not object to bail, but asked that the matter be heard on the same day as the abduction charge. According to the prosecutor, the latter charge arose from the robbery incident.

Magistrate McLennan informed John that his bail remained the same and the matter was put off to Monday, July 13, 2015.

As it relates to the abduction charge, the matter will be called again on Tuesday, July 21.

John and Viola Morrison, 48, were both charged with abduction. It is alleged that on the same day at Regent Street, they abducted Waaldijk causing him to be wrongfully restrained. They were released on $500,000 bail each by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Thursday, May 7.

According to the prosecution, the victim was about to enter his place of work when he was confronted by an identifiable man who pushed him into the vehicle and sped off; however, later that afternoon he was released unhurt.

The CCTV footage was reviewed during the police investigation and the entire incident was shown, resulting in the arrest of both defendants.