A 32-YEAR-OLD baker was on Thursday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Latchman on two counts of armed robbery.

Quintyn Alvin Bourne of Eldorado Drive, South Ruimveldt was recently arrested by police after a wanted bulletin was issued for him. Particulars of the first charge alleged that Bourne, on August 22 at Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, while being in the company of others armed with guns, robbed Leon Bentham of $2M cash property of Ryan Shivraj and a cellphone valued $25,000.

It is further alleged that Bourne, while being in the company of others, also robbed Shawn Anthony of a Samsung Galaxy S5 cellphone valued $34,000 during the same holdup.

Bourne denied both charges while his attorney, Dexter Todd begged the court for his client to be released on reasonable bail. According to the lawyer, Bourne had rented a car in favour for a friend, who is not from Guyana. The lawyer further explained that his client signed for the car in his name and handed the keys over to his friend.

However, when the defendant returned the vehicle to the rental dealership he was arrested and told that the car was involved in a robbery. According to a police report, the robbery was committed on two Buddy’s employees at Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown location.

Bentham and others had just returned to work after making a withdrawal from a city bank when they were approached by two gunmen, who relieved him of the cash and his cell phone.

The gunmen made good their escape in a waiting car. As the men fled, the victim, a licensed firearm holder, discharged several rounds in their direction. The police were summoned and they recovered the suspected getaway car at Middle Road, La Penitence with suspected bloodstains. The vehicle also bore several bullet holes.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves objected to Bourne being released on bail on the ground that an arrest warrant had to be issued for the accused arrest.

The Magistrate remanded Bourne until Friday, September 8 and transferred the matter to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.