CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan released an alleged robber/rapist on $25,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to robbing a 60-year-old woman.Samuel David George, 27 of Lot ‘A’ East Ruimveldt Squatting Area denied that on March 28 at East Ruimveldt, he robbed a 60-year-old security officer of her $5,000 cellular phone, along with $18,000 in cash.

The Application of Justice Act was applied by the magistrate after he was charged indictably for the offence over a week ago. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones during the last court hearing strongly opposed bail since an allegation of rape was pending against the accused.

However, on Thursday he did not object to bail. Jones informed the court that the robbery investigations were complete and the file was ready, while police investigation into the rape was still ongoing.

George was granted bail and ordered to return to court on April 25, when the matter would be called before City Magistrate Annett Singh.

According to reports, on March 28, the victim was in her guard hut at a Day Care Centre in Georgetown, when the suspect allegedly broke in and beat her, after which he allegedly robbed her and also raped her twice. The ordeal is said to have lasted over 35 minutes.

The victim was ordered to walk to the ballfield in the Day Care compound, but fortunately for her, a nearby resident heard the commotion and came out just in time to rescue the elderly woman.

George was later arrested by police as he tried to change his appearance by cutting his hair.