Arson suspect charged with setting

An Essequibo Coast resident had to answer to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan as to why he allegedly decided to set fire to his neighbour’s house when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Lester Harris, 29, of Kamaka, Essequibo, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on October 16, 2016 at Kamaka, Maruka, North West District (NWD), he maliciously set fire to a dwelling belonging to Jillian Cornelius.

The prosecution’s file is yet to be completed; however, the court heard that the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC) were neighbours.

The prosecution had no objections to bail, and this was granted in the sum of $50,000.

The matter will be recalled on January 10, 2017.