A MAN who allegedly robbed two men of their valuables at knifepoint on Valentine’s Day was on Wednesday placed on $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to plead to the relevant charge.

Darren Baley, also known as “Darry,” of Sparendaam Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, denied that he, on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at America Street, Georgetown, being armed with an offensive weapon, specifically, a knife, robbed Renardo Thorne of one phone valued at $41,800, and $1,800. He also on the same day, at the said location, with a knife, robbed Steve Ramsubhaj of one Apple haversack valued at $4,000, one bible valued $4,000 and one Blu cellular phone valued at $19,000 and $1,000.

According to the prosecution’s case, on the day in question, Thorne and Ramsubhaj were proceeding along America Street with the valuables mentioned in the charge in their possession. Baley, in the company of another male, approached Thorne and Ramsubhaj with a knife pointing in their direction. As the two men stopped at the sight of the knife, Baley’s accomplice proceeded to choke them. Baley then took the opportunity to relieve the men of their valuables.

During the ordeal, both Thorne and Ramsubhaj managed to raise an alarm. The police, who were in the vicinity at the time, heard the cry and together with some public-spirited citizens, rushed to help them.

Baley was arrested and his accomplice made good his escape. The police conducted a search on his person and $1,600 cash was found in his right side pants pocket. As a result, an allegation was put to him and he admitted orally to the police that he and his accomplice called “Black Boy” had robbed Thorne and Ramsubhaj. Further investigation was conducted and Baley was charged for the offence.

The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, February 24, 2021.