Teen accused of stealing on bail after complainant fails to attend court

An 18-year-old Georgetown resident accused of stealing $122,000 at Stabroek Market was on Friday granted bail after the complainant failed to appear in court for two consecutive hearings.
Akeem Aaron John, also known as “Odella”, of James Street, Georgetown, is charged with larceny allegedly committed on September 10 against market vendor Leo Persaud. Prosecutors say that John stole a bag containing the cash while at the market.

John made his first appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He told the court that he had picked up the bag without knowledge of its contents and maintained that he did not interfere with the money. During the incident, he was reportedly struck by a car while being pursued by Persaud, who later recovered the bag.
Police reported that Persaud stated John had fled with the bag and that he was arrested about a week later when Persaud saw him again at the market and pointed him out to authorities. Investigators also said that John gave several false names to the Police, including at the time of his arrest and when taken for medical treatment.
During his court appearances, John alleged that he was assaulted by Police officers while being held at the Stabroek Market outpost and that he was denied medical attention until Friday, two days before his first hearing.
The prosecution had objected to bail as a result of the seriousness of the offence and raised concerns about whether John would return to court. He was later remanded to prison until October 3.
However, he appeared virtually before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, whom the matter was called before on Friday.
The prosecution revealed that Persaud was absent for two consecutive hearings and suggested a lack of interest in pursuing the case. However, the Magistrate explained that the accused could not be kept in custody indefinitely under such circumstances.
Bail was granted in the sum of $75,000, and the matter was adjourned to October 31.