Bandit sentenced to 7 years for brazen supermarket robbery

One of the three bandits who were nabbed in the brazen robbery committed on a supermarket at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment when he appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.
Ryan Bannister (27) of Herstelling Seadam, East Bank Demerara pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possession of illegal firearm charges when it was read to him by Magistrate Sunil Scarce.
The other two men; Gerald DaSilva, 45, and Ron Simons, 33, pleaded not guilty to the said charges and were remanded to prison until August 14.
It was reported that the three men – one of whom was armed with a handgun – stealthily entered the “Number One Supermarket” on Wednesday last; pounced on the lone security officer and bound his hands with his shoe lace, then proceeded to the third floor of the building, where they removed the grill from a window and entered the building.
As the bandits were inside of the supermarket, the 53-year-old security guard managed to free himself and immediately alerted neighbours, who summoned the Police. Prompt response from the lawmen resulted in the bandits being caught in the act.
A family member of the business owner related that he was asleep and unaware of what was happening, and learnt of what had transpired only when a Police Officer went into the upper flat and alerted him. The CCTV footage was also reviewed, and it showed the men entering the premises.
When the men were nabbed, they had $70,000 in prepaid phone cards and an undisclosed sum of cash in their possession. In addition, a .38 revolver with six live matching rounds was also found.
An employee of the business told this publication that the supermarket was opened only about five weeks ago.