A gold miner of Beverly Hills, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday to answer to a charge of larceny.
It is alleged that Devon Joseph, 26, between January 10 and 11, 2017, at Kumu village, Central Rupununi, allegedly broke and entered into the village centre and stole two solar panels and a battery among other items, totalling $361,000.
The prosecution contended that on January 10, the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured the Council’s premises, but the following day received a phone call informing him that a window at the centre was prised opened. He went to the office where he noticed that the aforementioned articles were missing. The matter was then reported to the Lethem Police Station and the investigation led to the arrest of Joseph. The court was told that some of the missing articles were recovered at the defendant’s home and lodged at the Lethem Police Station.
The defendant, who was unrepresented, told the court that he was working in the Marudi Backdam, Region Nine, on the day of the incident. He further stated that the Lethem Police, who were looking for his cousin, discovered the stolen items at his Kumu residence.
He pleaded guilty to the charge, but Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan changed his plea to not guilty after hearing the defendant’s explanation.
The court was also informed that the 26-year-old man was previously convicted on a narcotic charge and was sentenced to serve community service.
Bail was granted in the sum of $30,000 by the presiding Magistrate on the condition that Jones report to the Lethem Police Station every last Friday of the month until the next court day. The case will continue on March 7 at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
