Homeless labourer remanded over clothing theft

…painter granted bail on phone theft charge

A homeless labourer accused of stealing $750,000 worth of female clothing was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, while a painter charged with stealing two cellular phones valued at $117,000 was granted bail in a separate matter before the same court.
Gopaul Ramjattan appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to a charge of simple larceny.

The charge alleged that between April 6 and April 7 at Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, Ramjattan stole a quantity of female clothing valued at $750,000, property of Jewel Moore. Ramjattan pleaded not guilty to the offence.
During the proceedings, the Magistrate questioned the accused about his background and living arrangements. Ramjattan told the court he is originally from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, but relocated to Georgetown approximately three years ago following the death of his mother.
He further disclosed that he has been living on the streets since then. Asked about his occupation, Ramjattan stated that he works as a labourer, taking jobs from anyone willing to hire him in order to earn money.
The prosecution objected to bail, arguing that the accused has no fixed place of residence and no stable employment, making it difficult for law enforcement to locate him if released.
The prosecutor further informed the court that Ramjattan allegedly admitted to the offence in a video statement made to Police investigators. The court also heard that investigators possess video evidence linked to the matter, although efforts are still being made to obtain a clearer image of the suspect’s face.
After considering the submissions, Principal Magistrate McGusty refused bail, and Ramjattan was remanded to prison. The case will continue on June 3.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter before the same court, painter Vickash Sunil was granted $80,000 bail after denying a charge of simple larceny involving two cellular phones.
Particulars of the charge alleged that on May 9, at High Street, Georgetown, Sunil stole a Samsung cellular phone valued at $32,000 and an iPhone 12 valued at $85,000, totalling $117,000, the property of Melody Grant. Sunil pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns relating to the protection of public property and the manner in which the alleged offence was committed.
The court heard that a security guard attached to a nearby business had briefly left her guard hut to carry out another task. Upon returning, she reportedly observed Sunil picking up the phones and immediately raised an alarm.
Persons in the area reportedly responded and apprehended him before Police arrived at the scene.
According to the prosecution, when confronted by Police officers, Sunil allegedly stated, “Officer, I’m sorry. I gave back the phone.”
During the proceedings, the Magistrate was informed that the cellular phones had been recovered and lodged at the Brickdam Police Station. Sunil later appealed directly to the court to be released on bail.
In granting bail, Principal Magistrate McGusty warned the man that if he fails to return to court, the trial could proceed in his absence and a conviction could be entered based on the evidence presented before the court.
Sunil was ordered to return to court on June 3.