Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, yesterday, while making a general comment in court stated that victims who accept compensation in matters are sending the wrong message to perpetrators. This was after a man who was robbed by a cutlass wielding bandit told the court that he will accept monetary compensation instead of testifying against the man.
Charged with robbery under-arms is 23-year-old Denzil George, of 1007 Block E, South Sophia.
He denied the charge which stated that on December 9, 2019 at South Sophia, Georgetown, while being armed with a cutlass, he robbed Akeem Hodge of a gold chain valued $60,000, a gold band valued $40,000 and $30,000 cash.
Facts presented by the court prosecutor, stated that on the day in question, the victim was in the company of others when George came out from a yard with a cutlass and dealt him several lashes about his body before relieving him of the articles mentioned in the charge.
He then made good his escape. The matter was then reported and George was arrested. An identification parade was then conducted and he was positively identified by Hodge. Hence, he was charged for the offence.
The Prosecutor objected to the defendant being released on bail citing the prevalence of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts.
Hodge, upon hearing what the prosecutor said stated, “I don’t want him to go to jail. I want to give him a second chance because I have brothers.” Hodge further went on to tell the court that he spoke with George’s family and they agreed to pay him $65,000 and the remainder, another time.
The Magistrate after hearing what the defendant said turned to the defendant and stated that given the prevalence of these types of offences, and the fact that the Christmas season is in the air, like-minded persons will believe that they can commit crimes and pay their way out.
She added, “The court is not going to condone such actions because what happens if someone comes to the court and cannot pay compensation they will be sentenced. They will be sent on remand. Lucky for you (Hodge) the defendant can pay you back. What about persons who are not that fortunate.”
The Magistrate then released George on $50,000 bail and instructed him to make his next court appearance on January 13, 2020. At that time he is expected to pay the remaining money to the victim and the matter will come to an end.
