– Faces further charges

AN individual who was alleged to have committed armed robbery has been detained in custody since last Friday due to additional charges related to the crimes of burglary and theft.
The alleged perpetrator, identified as Cordell Eastman, 32, and employed as a miner, is facing charges of forcibly entering three stalls located in the Stabroek Market, Georgetown. The stolen items, including cash and valuables, are estimated to be worth over $3 million.
The purported criminal activities, said to have taken place from May 25 to 27, 2024, reportedly involved Eastman and accomplices stealing silver jewellery, mobile phones, cash, and amazon firesticks from the establishments.

In the course of the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris made a request for Eastman to be remadned in prison, citing the gravity of the charges and his ongoing armed robbery case.
Furthermore, Prosecutor Morris suggested that he may bring forth supplementary charges of burglary and theft against him.

Nevertheless, Stacy Goodings, the lawyer representing Eastman, advocated for her client’s release on bail under stringent reporting conditions. She stated that he had been subjected to severe physical abuse by law enforcement officers during his time in custody.
The defence attorney asserted that the assault was of such magnitude that it caused Eastman to lose consciousness, and despite his lack of response, the police declined to transport him to the hospital.

She told the court that only after she had lodged a complaint with the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was Eastman transported for medical treatment.
Goodings also alleged that Eastman was denied the opportunity to contact his attorney while in custody. She vowed to pursue “further action” against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the officers involved in the alleged assault.

Notwithstanding these arguments, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly refused to grant bail and ordered Eastman’s detention in prison.  Prosecutor Morris provided assurance to her that the Prison Service will furnish the accused with the requisite medical treatment for his injuries.
Eastman has been instructed to return to court later this month.
Eastman’s face was visibly swollen when he appeared in court last Friday.

The officer in charge notified Magistrate Daly that no signs of injury were detected on Eastman when he was apprehended in relation to the allegations. In the previous year, Eastman and three additional individuals were charged in relation to a knifepoint robbery reportedly perpetrated against a man.

It has been alleged that on September 15, 2024, an individual was robbed of items valued at $240,000 and $6,350,000 at David Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
The articles and cash, according to the charge, are not the man’s belongings.