ORCEINO Benn, along with his 15-year old associate, were on Tuesday remanded after they appeared before city magistrate Faith McGusty charged with robbery under arms and attempt to commit a felony.Benn, who resides at 181 Providence New Scheme, East Bank Demerara and the lad, both pleaded not guilty to charges which stated that on January 12, 2016 at America Street, being armed with an offensive weapon (an ice pick), robbed Manisha Singh of one Samsung Galaxy phone valued $30,000 and $5,000 cash. They were also charged with attempting to commit a felony on that same day, using a weapon in an attempt to rob Anisah Rohaman of one shoulder bag valued $3,000 and one laptop computer valued $230,000.
According to the facts, present to the court by Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman, on the day in question both victims had just turned onto America Street when Benn, who was on a bicycle, rode up to Singh, pointed an ice pick at her an relieved her of her articles.
The Number Two accused is said to have done the same thing to Rohaman, pointing an ice-pick in her direction, and attempting to take her bag away. A city policeman came to her rescue.
Benn then stabbed the policeman with the ice pick, and he also rode away. Public-spirited citizens apprehend both defendants.
The matter was adjourned until February 12, 2016.