Supply resident jailed after failing to repay VC for phone

Just one month after being released on bail and given a second chance to correct his mistake, 22-year-old Morvin Akeem Micko on Friday reappeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who without hesitation handed him a six-month jail term.

The sentencing came after Micko failed to attend court and pay a sum of money to Travis Rampaul, whose phone he stole while they were hanging out.
In addition, on his first court appearance, the defendant had given his name as “Akeem Bennett”; however, it was later revealed that his correct name was Morvin Akeem Micko. This was among the factors that caused Micko to be sentenced.
The Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was initially slapped with a theft charge that stated on April 14, 2019 at Seawall Road, Georgetown, he stole one phone valued $85,000, property of Rampaul. He was later released on $10,000 bail, which was paid by the said Virtual Complainant.
According to facts presented in court, the defendant and the VC were hanging out at the seawall when the latter asked the former to collect a pack of cigarettes from his motor vehicle.
Some time later, upon realising that Micko had not returned, Rampaul went in search of him and he discovered his cellphone and the defendant were missing. The matter was reported, and Micko was later arrested and charged.
However, in a statement to the court on his first appearance, Micko explained that it was Rampaul who entrusted his personal belongings to him. In his statement, Micko admitted to being sent for a pack of cigarettes, but said he did not find any in the car. He further explained that after informing Rampaul of this, he was later given cash and instructed to purchase a pack of cigarettes; however, on his way back, he was attacked and relieved of the VC’s property.
As such, Micko claimed that he became afraid and left the location without informing the VC of what transpired. Given the explanation, a not-guilty plea was entered on the defendant’s behalf, and he committed to paying the VC for the phone. His failure to do so landed him in jail.