Policemen charged with armed robbery conspiracy & bribery get bail

After being accused of conspiring to rob a Chinese national, two Policemen who were remanded to prison on their first court appearance have since been released on bail.
Constable Julian Smartt, 30, represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry and Constable Winston Williams, 25, represented by Attorney-at-Law Jevon Cox, made their second court appearance before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus last week.

It is alleged that that on November 29, 2023, while at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, they conspired together along with two others to rob Qi Li Lin, of $8 million in cash.
It is also alleged that on the day in question at the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost, while being agents of the Government, they attempted to obtain $150,000 from Qi Li Lin as inducement from the said Qi Li Lin to forgo prosecution for the following offences: restriction on handheld device use while driving; uninsured motor vehicle; and unlicensed motor vehicle; an act relating to their principal duty.
It is further alleged that on the same day, Constable Williams obtained $30,000 from Qi Li Lin as inducement from the said Qi Li Lin to forgo prosecution for the above-stated offences – an act in relation to his principal duty. Both Smartt and Williams have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the duo’s last court appearance on December 6, 2023, their attorneys made renewed applications for reasonable bail, stating that their clients posed no flight risk and that they would comply with any conditions recommended.

However, Police Legal Advisor, Attorney-at-Law Mandel Moore opposed to the two being released on bail, relying on his previous objections.
He had previously made reference to the defendants’ oath of service and protection as members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and that the offences are serious and carry a severe penalty.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus on Wednesday indicated that she was inclined to grant bail to Constables Williams and Smartt. Bail was set for each accused at $500,000 on each of the three charges.
They were given bail with the stipulation that they periodically report to the Brickdam Police Station as well as lodge their passports with the Clerk of Court.
Constable Smartt, of Guyhoc, Georgetown, and Constable Williams, of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), have both been interdicted from duty.
Police Headquarters had reported that receiving a report of an alleged $8 million robbery, a thorough probe carried out resulted in the arrest of Constable Smartt and Constable Williams.
The Police have said that evidence has revealed that these Police Constables had both conspired with the principal offenders to rob the virtual complainant of his property. Police have said they are on the hunt for the principal offenders.
“Detectives have evidence showing Constable Smartt taking the suspects to the crime scene. After the robbery was committed, Smartt and Williams (both of whom were on motorcycles and in uniform) were seen escorting the suspects to an area known as Rasville [in Georgetown],” a statement from the Police Headquarters had said.