Police Officer, accomplice remanded on robbery under arms charge

[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Police Officer along with another 19-year-old youth were on Wednesday (December 11) remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya-Sewnarine Beharry for a robbery under arm offence.

Collin Harris of East La Penitence and Kelvin Pollard of East Ruimveldt, both denied the allegation which alleged that on Saturday, December 7 at South Ruimveldt Garden, Georgetown, being armed with a gun they robbed Rosita Kalchow of $620,000 and US$50 in cash, property of Vibert Puran.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the Court that the Virtual Compliant (VC) is an Office Assistant at Green Ice Taxi Service and was at work on the day in question when the Police Officer [Harris] held her at gun point and took the money which was lying on the desk at the time.

Mangru in recalling the incident added that he then ran out of the office and made good his escape with Pollard who was waiting on a motorcycle.

The Court heard that following the robbery a message was sent out by the dispatcher to all taxi drivers who then launched a search for the duo. They were found along Mandela Avenue moments laters.

Attorney-at-Law Melville Duke who represented Harris, stated that his client is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force and is a man of good character.He said his Client is innocent and was mistaken by the taxi drivers who apprehended and threatened him.

The Defence Lawyer said that his client thought he was being robbed and went to the Police Station to make a report when he pointed out as one of the suspects.

Duke told the Court that his client has no criminal record and was wearing a black helmet on the day in question, while he is being accused of wearing a red helmet.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Winston Moore who represented Pollard said his client is self-employed and lives with his parents. He further stated that on the day in question Pollard was sent by his mother to purchase kerosene and was given a lift by his friend Harris.

Mangru objected to bail while both lawyers requested that their clients be admitted to reasonable bail.

Bail was refused and the matter stands adjourned until January 10.