A 22-year-old vendor and construction worker was remanded to prison on Tuesday after appearing before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of robbery under arms.
Shamar McKoy, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, is accused of robbing a man with a dangerous weapon in the company of others. The charge alleged that on June 6 at Durban Street, Georgetown, McKoy while in the company of others and armed with a dangerous weapon, robbed Deon Rodriques of one iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at $160,000, and a haversack valued at $20,000, a total value of $180,000. McCoy pleaded not guilty.
Shamar McKoy
The prosecution objected to bail, stating that a motorcycle suspected to have been used during the robbery was found parked in the defendant’s yard. Further, the stolen bag and phone were reportedly discovered at the premises shortly after the crime occurred.
McKoy, who was unrepresented, told the court that two persons he knew went to his home shortly before the police arrived. He claimed that he was unaware they had just committed a robbery. According to him, when the police entered the yard, the two individuals dropped the phone and bag and fled the scene, leaving him to be apprehended.
The prosecution also noted inconsistencies in McKoy’s address. He initially provided Albouystown, Georgetown as his address but later told the court he resided at Norton Street, Lodge. When questioned, McKoy said the Albouystown address was his father’s residence. Regarding the motorcycle in question, McKoy admitted that the bike taken from his home was his and claimed to have purchased it recently.
McKoy also told the Magistrate that while he was already in the police vehicle, someone from across the street brought a cellphone and told police it was his, a claim he denied. He insisted he was never in possession of any stolen property.
When asked by Magistrate Azore if he had any previous matters before the court, McKoy said that he was previously charged in 2024 for robbery, but that matter was dismissed. The investigating officer told the court that McKoy had been positively identified in the current matter. Magistrate Azore refused bail and remanded McKoy to prison. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
