Halley St man charged for theft of Nintendo gaming console

A 23-year-old Halley Street, Georgetown, man was remanded to prison on Wednesday after being charged with simple larceny.
The accused, Simon Ifill, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The charge alleged that on Friday last, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, Ifill stole one black Nintendo gaming console valued at $70,000, the property of Byanka Barker.
During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, citing that Ifill has several matters before the court and was only released from custody a few weeks ago. The prosecutor also told the court that the offence was allegedly committed while the accused was out on bail.
According to the prosecution, the gaming console had been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The virtual complainant and the accused initially arranged to meet and later met along Mercedes Street, Georgetown, before proceeding to Mandela Avenue, where the item was to be inspected.
The court heard that while the complainant attempted to inspect the item, the accused allegedly rode off on his motorcycle with the console. The complainant reportedly grabbed onto the back of the motorcycle and was dragged along the roadway for approximately 50 feet before letting go and falling.
The prosecution further stated that during the incident, the gaming console fell from the motorcycle. The accused allegedly turned back to retrieve the item, during which time a bank card fell from him. He then sped off. The complainant picked up the bank card, which later assisted in identifying the accused.
The prosecutor told the court that Police were subsequently able to locate and arrest Ifill and that he was positively identified by the virtual complainant.
While the charge was being read, Magistrate McGusty remarked that the accused’s name appeared familiar and questioned whether he had previously appeared before the court. Initially, Ifill indicated that he had only one prior matter. However, upon further questioning, he acknowledged that he had appeared before the same Magistrate last year.
It was explained to the court that the prior matters included offences relating to an accident and allegations involving the discharge of a loaded firearm. The court was told that although Ifill had been remanded in that matter, he was released in December, just weeks before the present offence was allegedly committed.
After considering the prosecution’s submissions, the defendant’s prior court history, the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence, and concerns for public safety, Magistrate McGusty denied bail. The matter was adjourned to February 18, and Ifill was remanded to prison.