A 23-year-old East Coast Demerara (ECD) man, claiming mental health issues, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, facing a charge of simple larceny. Junior Lilly, a resident of Section B, Nabaclis, ECD, pleaded not guilty to accusations of stealing a gold chain from Peggy Wade on November 4, along Cummings Street, Georgetown
Lilly, who stood before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, defended himself claiming that he is under psychiatric care, receiving treatment from Dr Bhiro Harry. “I’m a Dr Harry patient; I take medication,” he explained, suggesting that his mental state should be considered in the proceedings.
He further claimed to have a clinic card in his bag, though investigators disputed this, confirming that no bag was found on him when he was taken into custody. Magistrate Azore, unconvinced, responded, “You seem very clear-minded to me,” casting doubt on Lilly’s mental health claims.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing Lilly’s prior convictions for similar offences and highlighted that the chain had not been recovered. In court, it was revealed that Lilly had previously been detained at the Cove and John Police Station on charges of assault and rape, further supporting the prosecutor’s objection.
According to the details presented in court, Wade was sitting beside Lilly in a 44-route minibus in Georgetown on the day of the incident and as the bus came to a stop, Lilly exited, seizing the opportunity to snatch Wade’s chain and fleeing before she could react. Despite her attempt to raise an alarm, he had already escaped. Following a report to the police, Wade later identified Lilly, leading to his arrest.
Lilly was subsequently remanded to prison and is scheduled to reappear in court on December 9. (G9)
