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Ex-con remanded on theft charges
An ex-convict, released from prison merely three months ago, is facing another possible jail term after he was brought to the city court on a larceny charge yesterday. This time, Royston James is being prosecuted for a crime which occurred in 2011.
James who said he was in the process of rehabilitating his life made appearances before two city Magistrates yesterday. He offered several stirring apologies and begged for a fair chance to change.
Royston James
Before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, James was accused of stealing a $147,000 gold band from Akeem Callender at Croal Street, Georgetown, on September 22, 2011. He pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The Prosecution was spearheaded by Police Inspector Michael Grant, who explained that about 18:30 hours on the day in question, Callender was walking along Croal Street when James rode up alongside him on a bicycle and snatched the band off his hand.
James reportedly rode away, but last Thursday (July 24) he was identified by the victim to the police. He was subsequently taken into custody and a charge of larceny from the person was instituted against him.
The Prosecution objected to bail citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. He asked the Magistrate to heed that the defendant was previously charged before the courts and convicted in 2011.
Addressing the court, James revealed that he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court and had been released in April.
In response, the Chief Magistrate remanded him to prison and ordered the Prosecution to file statements. The case was transferred to Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who presides in the said courthouse.
In Magistrate Azore’s courtroom, James begged for a court bond.
“Your worship, I begging for a chance. I just got out of prison and I rehabilitating myself. I get a work and start back my life. This thing happen since four years ago and me ain’t want my past affect my future.”
Turning his attention to the victim, James said “Your worship, I come back again this time cause he seh he gun do something fuh me.”
Upon hearing this, however, the victim (Callender) responded indignantly stating “Do something for you? The other day you try to rob me cousin ‘Fine Man’ again.”
At this point, James offered to give the man his fridge as settlement, but the man insisted that he didn’t need the appliance.
Realising that was a ‘dead end’, James with tears settled in his eyes turned to Magistrate Azore pleading “I begging for a chance your worship. I begging for bail. I begging for a chance.”
His pleas were, however, met with “I’m not going to consider bail now. I informed you on your first hearing before me a few minutes ago that you can renew your bail application at your next court date.”
The case stands adjourned until August 8.
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