AN 18-year-old welder, who was caught on CCTV carrying out a brazen daylight robbery on a Merriman’s Mall businesswoman, was, on Friday, released on 150,000 bail.

Seon Benjamin of ‘D’ Field, Sophia, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
It is alleged that Benjamin, on September 5, 2020, at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda, while being in the company of another, and armed with a gun, robbed Tifilesha Bond of a cell phone, along with gold jewellery valued $1,050,000.

According to the evidence presented by Prosecutor Christopher Morris, on the day in question, around 07:50 hours, Bond and her husband were at Merriman’s Mall between Church Street and North Road and were about to open their store when two men on a motorcycle rode up.
Benjamin reportedly stayed on the motorcycle, while his pillion rider dismounted. It is alleged that Benjamin pulled out a firearm from his waist and handed it to his accomplice.

The accomplice then pointed the firearm at Bond and demanded that she handed over her valuables. After collecting the items, the man jumped back onto the motorcycle which sped away.

Bond reported the matter to the police and an investigation was launched.
After reviewing footage from CCTV cameras in the area, the police were able to identify Benjamin, who, at the time, was being sought for a similar crime.
The police arrested Benjamin and he reportedly confessed to the crime under caution. Benjamin was also placed on an identification parade and he was positively pointed out.

The prosecutor objected to Benjamin being released on bail on the grounds that the defendant was a known character to the police and had pending cases before the court.
Despite the prosecutor’s objection, the Magistrate released Benjamin on $150,000 bail and adjourned the case to October 9.