Bus conductor accused of cell phone robbery

Jun 08, 2016 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

A father of four, who police say has been running away from serving a jail sentence, was yesterday brought before the courts and charged with the offence of robbery with violence.

Romel Hoppie

Romel Hoppie appeared before City Magistrate Alex Moore yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was released on $50,000 bail.
It is alleged that on May 28, at Plum Park, Sophia, Hoppie of 215 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, robbed Mario Eversley of a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone valued $110,000 and made use of personal violence at the time or immediately before or after the robbery.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Gillian Simons strongly opposed bail for the defendant on the ground that he is currently wanted by police to serve a jail sentence. She explained that Hoppie was sentenced in absentia to two years’ imprisonment at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
However, Magistrate Moore opposed the bail objection and said that a warrant should have been issued for the defendant.
Prosecutor Simons also said that the defendant is currently under investigations at several police stations including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Eve Leary, Georgetown, in relation to similar offences.
Hoppie who had no legal representation sought to defend himself against the accusation. He told the court that he did not rob the complainant. The 33-year-old route 41 bus conductor argued that the complainant had “jammed” one of his lights and gave him the cell phone.
But he did not specify whether the complainant gave him the item as compensation or for any other purpose. Hoppie claimed that the only reason why he was locked up is because Eversley has “police family”.
The defendant told the court that he had been in custody since last week Thursday. He said that police arrested him on the bus park and took him to the Providence Station. He added that he was later taken to the Sparendaam Station by CID officers.
Initially, bail was set at $75,000 for the defendant. After telling the Magistrate that his bus was impounded by police and that he had owed one month installment, Hoppie pleaded with the court for bail reduction which was granted.
The matter has been adjourned until June 28, for statements.

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