Andra Stewart, who was previously denied bail on charges of armed robbery and discharging a firearm, was granted bail on Friday when he returned to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
Stewart’s attorney, Ronald Bostwick, renewed his application for bail, arguing that his client had no prior convictions, and was not a flight risk.
After reviewing the matter, Magistrate McGusty granted Stewart bail in the sum of $200,000 for the charge of discharging a firearm and $300,000 for the charge of robbery under arms.
Charged: Andra Stewart
Stewart is required to return to court on February 14, 2025.
Stewart, a resident of Lot 54 Fifth Street, Alberttown, was initially remanded after being charged with two offences.
It was alleged that on December 26, 2024, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Sue Fa, a Chinese national, of $3,000,000 at Lot 48 Regent and Alexander Streets.
Stewart pleaded not guilty to this charge.
Additionally, he was charged with discharging a firearm with intent to disfigure, after allegedly shooting Zhao Peiming, a labourer employed by the victim, during the robbery.
Stewart also pleaded not guilty to this charge.
At his first court appearance, the prosecution objected to bail, arguing that Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage implicated Stewart in the crime, and emphasised the serious nature of the offence, the large sum of money stolen, and the prevalence of such crimes during the holiday season.
The court was also informed that Stewart allegedly fired a gunshot that struck Zhao in the right thigh when the worker attempted to intervene.
The police had reported that two suspects arrived at the location on a motorcycle, one armed with a gun. They allegedly entered the store, opened the cashier’s drawer, and took cash before Zhao confronted them.
One of the suspects then discharged a round before they both fled the scene on the motorcycle, heading east.
Stewart had previously told the court that he was beaten while in custody, had a bag placed over his head, and was denied medical attention.
Despite these claims, bail was initially refused, and the case was adjourned.
With Friday’s ruling, Stewart has been granted pretrial liberty under the condition of his bail as he awaits his next court appearance on February 14.
