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Beaten bandit makes court appearance
– refused bail
Ryan Couchman
Ryan Couchman, 28, of Diamond Housing Scheme, was yesterday remanded to prison after he made his first court appearance before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton. It is alleged that Couchman, on July 9 last, robbed Asif Bacchus of $300,000 in cash and one cell phone valued at $113,000.
And it is further alleged that, on the same day, he robbed Ramasam of $1M. He was not required to plead to the indictable offences.
He was represented by attorney-at-law Miskha Puran. The accused was reportedly picked up in connection with a multi-million-dollar gold heist some five months ago.
Police allege that he drove the getaway car that was involved in the robbery, and that an eyewitness picked him out during an identification parade yesterday.
The lawyer, in a bid to secure bail, told the court that Couchman was arrested in July in regard to the charge stemming from the attack on Bacchus.
She added that her client was placed on $20,000 station bail and was told to report to the Brickdam Police Station daily. The lawyer said that her client reported several times to the station, and was eventually told not to return.
Ms Puran told the court that Couchman was “reimbursed” his $20,000 station bail.
She further told the court that her client returned to Georgetown on November 8 with malaria, and on November 11 he was rearrested.
He was placed in the Brickdam lockups, where it is alleged that he was beaten by two policemen and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
The lawyer further added that Couchman was examined by the doctor, and it was revealed that he had received massive head trauma. Ms Puran said that an identification parade was done, but the accused was never “picked”. The lawyer said that her client was beaten, for a second time, for a confession.
On Friday, the accused was brought to court and was rushed to the hospital. Because he was “too weak,” he received treatment and was sent away.
The lawyer continued to argue that an arrest must be done on reasonable suspicion, and she added that a charge must be instituted on reasonable evidence. Ms Puran added that if this is not done, the prosecution would not have a “case”.
However, police prosecutor Desiree Fowler objected to bail. She told the court that bail should not be granted, because of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
The accused is expected to make his next court appearance on December 10.
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