Phone thief gets 2 years, another remanded to prison

Twenty-two-year-old Leon Harris of Meadow Bank Squatting Area and 25-year-old Alkleyon McCollin of Rahaman Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were on Friday jointly charged with simple larceny.
The duo is accused of stealing a Samsung Galaxy S24 from Bibi Hussain and an iPhone 6S belonging to Amanda Wiliams on December 11, 2024, along Water and Longden Street, Georgetown.
The men appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the charge was read to them. McCollin pleaded not guilty to both charges, while Harris admitted to stealing one phone but denied stealing the second.
Harris told the court that he was mentally ill and was not aware of what he was doing. He claimed that he collected Williams’ phone after it fell to the ground.
“I have problems, and I have to go to the ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to get tablets,” he told the Magistrate. Harris further explained that he is going through difficulties with his family and has a three-year-old daughter.
“I work with my uncle, but he doesn’t want me to work because of this mental issue I have,” he said, adding that his actions were a result of not being in his right state of mind.

He admitted to taking the phone but claimed he had intended to return it, stating, “I took it to feed my daughter.”
Meanwhile, Williams, the victim whose phone was stolen, testified that she was standing at the bus park when she felt someone pulling her phone from her hand. As she turned around, she saw Harris running away with the phone.
Although she did not pursue him, she confirmed that her phone was not returned. The prosecution later revealed that the phone had been recovered and secured with the police.
On the other hand, McCollin’s attorney, Jermaine Jarvis, argued that his client had no involvement in the theft, claiming that he only came into contact with Harris who asked for a ride to Durban Park.
Jarvis requested reasonable bail for McCollin, asserting his client’s innocence.
The prosecution, however, objected to bail, emphasising the seriousness of the charges and the prevalence of the crime.
Police facts stated that Harris snatched Hussain’s phone, ran in the direction of Demico House, and then proceeded to the 44-route bus park, where he saw and took Williams’ phone. It was also reported by the prosecution that McCollin was reportedly waiting for Harris at the bus park, and the two fled together. This act, according to the prosecution was caught on CCTV cameras.
After considering all the arguments, Magistrate McGusty remanded McCollin to prison, while Harris was sentenced to two years in prison.