Twenty-year -old Joshua Joseph of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, who was recently pardoned by President David Granger, was on Wednesday sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan after he pleaded guilty to escaping lawful police custody.

The court heard that he escaped police custody on February 13, 2016 while at the Brickdam Police Station where he was held on robbery charges.

Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones told the court that Joseph was being escorted by Police Constable David to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court when he began to behave in a disorderly manner. During a scuffle between Joseph and the Police Constable, he managed to release himself from the handcuffs and made good his escape.

Joseph was subsequently arrested on February 15 at the Stabroek Market. He told the court that he escaped because he was clad in old clothing and wanted to appear in court properly dressed. He explained that the handcuffs opened when he fell.

Joseph was also charged with breaking and entering the dwelling house of Osa Omaree on January 19, 2016, at High Street, Georgetown, where he allegedly stole a 21-inch Sharp television valued $35,000; one laptop computer valued $ 50,000; one gold chain worth $30,000 and one pair of gold earrings valued $ 8,000.

He pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, Joseph and 22 – year – old Kester Mc Phoy of 72 Independent Boulevard, also pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of robbery underarms, allegedly committed on February 3, 2016 on the person of Elicia Walton.

Police said, being armed with a knife, they robbed the woman of a gold chain worth $60,000.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail on the charges of robbery due to the seriousness and gravity of the offence and the fact that a weapon was used. Bail was refused for the duo and the matter was adjured to March 01 and transferred to court 11.