By Clestine Juan

AN EAST Ruimveldt resident was yesterday sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, after being convicted on several charges, including armed robbery.Dexter Wallace, 22, of Front Road, East Ruimveldt, was found guilty of the charge which read that while being armed with a firearm on June 15, 2015, at the junction of Oronoque and Anira Streets, Georgetown, he robbed Petal DeFreitas of a quantity of valuables and cash to a total value of $151,000. He was sentenced to three years’ jail.

Wallace was also charged for the possession of a .38 revolver and six matching rounds of ammunition, which were found on him on June 17, 2015 at the junction of Light and Camp Streets when police apprehended him. At yesterday’s proceeding, Wallace decided to change his not guilty plea to save the court’s time.

Magistrate Latchman recorded his guilty plea and sentenced hime to three years’ imprisonment each for the gun and ammunition possession cases. These sentences will run concurrently. He was also fined $140,000.

The magistrate pointed out that she had granted him a light sentence after considering his age and his change of plea, but noted that it was a serious crime and there was a need to prohibit others from contemplating such offences.

According to reports, DeFreitas was walking on Oronoque Street when she was approached by Wallace, who subsequently held her at gunpoint and relieved her of her belongings.

He made his escape but a report was made to the police. An investigation was launched, and on June 17, ranks of the Guyana Police Force apprehended Wallace at the junction of Light and Camp Streets, where they conducted a search on his person. During the search, the firearm and ammunition were found and the defendant was arrested and charged. It was also revealed that Ms DeFreitas positively identified Wallace while at the police station.