Anderson Cyril, a 28-year-old food vendor of Tabatinga in Lethem (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), has been placed on bail following his arraignment on Monday before Lethem Magistrate Omadat Chandan on a charge of armed robbery.
Arrested on November 10, 2024, Cyril had first been arraigned on November 13, and had not been required to plead to the indictment even as he was remanded to prison.
However, in Cyril’s arraignment before Magistrate Chandan on Monday, defence lawyer Bernard Da Silva mounted a successful argument for bail, despite objections from the prosecution.
Da Silva argued that the prosecution is unprepared to go to trial, having no case file available and no clear timeline for disclosure of facts or date for trial.
The attorney told the court that his client, like any other accused, is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and is entitled to a fair trial within a reasonable time.
He also highlighted that Cyril is not a flight risk, and pointed to his strong ties to the community, where he resides with his pregnant wife and young daughter.
The prosecution, in arguing against Cyril being placed on bail, emphasised the seriousness of the charge, but the magistrate overruled the prosecution’s objections and granted bail, citing delays in the case and Cyril’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.
The magistrate ruled that delays in the prosecution’s case and Cyril’s ties to his community warranted his release on bail.
Having been placed on bail, Cyril has been ordered to report weekly to the Lethem Police Station as a condition of his bail.
