A Norton Street, Georgetown, taxi driver has been remanded to prison after being charged for two separate larcenies in Georgetown last week.
The defendant, Kelvin Thomas, appeared on Wednesday before Acting Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
According to the first allegation, on Friday, August 22, at the intersection of Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street, Thomas stole a gold chain valued at $285,000, the property of Lucille Reynolds.
The second charge states that on Saturday, August 23, at Croal and Longden Streets, Stabroek, he stole a gold band valued at $175,000 belonging to Shadyah Kayum.
In court, Thomas maintained his innocence, claiming he had no knowledge of the incidents. He told the Magistrate that he had no other matters before the court and tearfully explained that he has young children depending on him, including an unborn baby. He also said he cares for his grandmother and pleaded not to be remanded.
The prosecution objected to bail, stressing the seriousness and prevalence of such offences and the need to safeguard the public. Prosecutors explained that the accused and the complainants are strangers to each other.
The court heard that on August 23, Kayum was walking along Croal and Longden Streets with her boyfriend when Thomas allegedly approached and snatched her valuables. That incident, prosecutors said, was caught on CCTV, which led to Thomas being identified, located, and arrested.
Additionally, the prosecution outlined that in the case involving Reynolds, the woman was seated in a bus that had just pulled off when Thomas allegedly grabbed her chain from her neck. Though Reynolds attempted to chase after him, the thief managed to escape. She later made a report, and during an ID parade, Reynolds identified Thomas as the perpetrator.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate Latchman denied bail, citing both the gravity and the frequency of such offences. She advised Thomas that he had the right to seek a judicial review and could apply to the High Court for bail. The matter has been adjourned to September 17.
