A Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) duo was, on Tuesday, sentenced to three years each behind bars by Magistrate Wanda Fortune after they were found guilty of robbery under arms. The sentences were handed down to 30-year-old David Crossman also called “Bling” of Stewart Path, Christianburg, Wismar, Linden, and 34-year-old Sharon Austin when they made their final appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that on September 30, 2018, while being armed with a handgun, the duo along with another unidentifiable male robbed Kriss Jinn of G$30,000. They also robbed Michael Charles of a Samsung S6 Edge cellphone valued G$150,000 dollars and two silver chains. Additionally, the duo robbed Javon Bobb of a gold chain valued G$6000.
The incident occurred in a boat on the Demerara River in the vicinity of the Mackenzie Shore, Linden.
Preliminary enquiries disclosed that the victims, who were partying at the Library ‘3’ Nightclub located at Rainbow City, Mackenzie, left the location and proceeded to the Titanic Boat Landing at Mackenzie. Subsequently, the three perpetrators entered the boat and as it was proceeding over to the Wismar shore, the two male suspects then held the victims at gunpoint and relieved them of the cash and items mentioned. On arrival over at the Wismar shore, the suspects then made good their escape. Crossman and Austin were later identified as two of the perpetrators, however, the third suspect was never found.
Magistrate Fortune in her ruling on Tuesday declared that it was established beyond a reasonable doubt that the duo was two of three persons who had robbed the Virtual Complainants.
Crossman was unrepresented, however, Austin’s counsel, Clive Forde, begged for leniency on behalf of his client. He noted that she is the mother of a 13-year-old, who misses her dearly. He also indicated that his client had already served 10 months in prison and asked that the time be taken into consideration. The attorney also noted that his client had suffered a lot in prison and had been abused.
He said after speaking with her on Tuesday morning, she pointed out plans to turn her life around and be a role model to her daughter.
Asked by the presiding Magistrate to give reasons why he should not be given the maximum five-year sentence, Crossman begged for mercy and leniency, noting that he would like to be with his three children.
Prosecutor Vernetté Pindar told the court that Crossman had been previously charged for other offences.
In July 2018, Crossman was acquitted of a break and enter and larceny charge after he was found not guilty of the offence by Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was accused of breaking and entering the dwelling house of Keneisha Samuels and stealing a number of items, all of which amounted to a total value of G$450,000.
Magistrate Fortune noted that she took into consideration that it was his first conviction of this nature. She then sentenced both persons to three years each behind bars.
