A MAN, who had allegedly relieved a woman of her gold chain while she was shopping at the market, was, on Wednesday, placed on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Akeem Hatton of Lodge Housing Scheme pleaded not guilty to the robbery under arms charge. The charge alleged that he, on January 29, 2021, at Brickdam Access Road, Georgetown, while being in company of another and armed with a dangerous weapon, specifically a gun, robbed Maureen Ault of a gold chain valued, $260,000.

The court was told that on the day in question, Ault and her niece were at Stabroek Market purchasing vegetables. During their shopping, they stopped at a stand which was located in the vicinity of the Guyana Fire Station to purchase tomatoes. Shortly after, Hatton reportedly approached Ault’s niece and tried to take her bag. Ault who observed the commotion intervened to stop Hatton. A scuffle arose between Ault and Hatton during which he reportedly pulled out a black handgun and pointed it in her direction.

In fear, the woman retreated and Hatton relieved her of a gold chain before escaping on a black and white XR Motorcycle. The matter was reported at the Brickdam Police Station and Hatton was later arrested. The gold chain was not recovered. The matter was adjourned until February 24, 2021.