A teenager, who was caught on a widely circulated video snatching a man’s phone at Market Stabroek Square in Georgetown, was today released on $10,000 bail.
The teen, who pleaded not guilty to a simple larceny charge, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who granted him his pretrial liberty.
Eighteen-year-old Andre Prince, a bus conductor of Hope, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Prince pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 17,2019 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he stole a phone valued $40,000, the property of Kevin Lowe.
Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell stated that on the day in question, around 18:50 hrs, the victim was standing in front of Ibet Supreme using his phone.
The court heard that Prince, who was in the company of other young men, left the group and went and stood in front of the victim. Shortly after, he snatched the phone and they all made good their escape. The victim and a security guard then gave chase.
However, later that evening one of the teens posted a photo on Facebook of himself and another friend wearing the same clothing that they had on when they snatched the man’s phone.
It was then that Facebook users started to compare the guys in the CCTV footage and the picture posted.
The matter was investigated and police were able to arrest some of the teenagers.
Prosecutor Brummell made no objections to bail being granted to the defendant but asked that conditions be attached.
The Chief Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Price on $10,000 bail. Condition of the bail is that he report to the Brickdam Police Station every Monday until the hearing and determination of the trial.
The teen was instructed to make his next court appearance on November 6.
Just last Wednesday, three of Price friends were hauled before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and were remanded to prison for the same offence.
Those charged were Daniel McArthur, Shawn Innis and Hurrcarlaus Harris, all 18-years-old.
They were instructed to make their next court appearance on November 29.
