Two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers were on Friday charged for snatching a cellular phone from a teenager.
Thomas Richards of Lot 95 Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; and Lloyd Seymour of Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before City Magistrate Judy Latchman.
The duo, both 20, denied that on September 12, 2017, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), they robbed Keron Wells of one cellphone valued $17,000. It is also alleged that both men on the same day, at the same location, used personal violence against the Virtual Complainant (VC).
Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to bail on the grounds that the defendants are both serving members of the Defence Force.
He revealed that on the day in question, the VC was walking through a “shortcut” when he was attacked by the men, choked and relieved of his phone. A third soldier, who was also involved in the crime, is yet to be apprehended, the court was told.
Bail was refused and the men were both remanded to prison. The case will continue on September 18.
It was previously reported that after being robbed, the 18-year-old raised an alarm and a public-spirited person assisted him in pursuing the perpetrators.
One of the robbers was apprehended and upon being caught, allegedly identified himself as a GDF Private.
He was reportedly taken to Base Camp Stephenson, in Timehri, where under questioning; he allegedly admitted that he and two other ranks had robbed the teenager.
The suspect also reportedly identified one of his accomplices; who was also taken into custody. A third suspect is still being pursued.
