Man remanded on two counts of robbery under arms

Oct 14, 2008 News

Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton yesterday refused bail to a West La Penitence man who appeared before her charged with two counts of robbery under arms.
The accused, Denis Seeraj, on Wednesday July 9, at Thomas Street, Kitty, allegedly had a gun when he robbed Asif Bacchus of two cellular phones valued at $113,000; $300,000 in local currency and US$300.
It is also alleged that on the same day, while being armed with a gun, he allegedly robbed Javed Rahaman of $1M.
Both charges are indictable, and the accused was not required to plead. He is being represented by attorney-at-law Mishka Puran.
In her first application to the court, Puran sought her client’s release, so that he could seek medical attention. She told the court that her client was severely beaten while in police custody.
She added that instructions were given by a senior police rank that her client be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but this was not done. 
In response to that, the magistrate told Ms. Puran that if her client needed any medical attention, he should inform the prison authorities.
Ms Puran further pointed out to the court that none of the stolen items was found on her client, and no gun was recovered.
She added that no identification parade was done during the six-day period the accused was detained. Ms. Puran added that her client and one of the virtual complainants are childhood friends.
Prosecutor Desiree Fowler objected to bail, and asked that the court consider the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.
Fowler further told the court that, indeed, no identification was done, since it was not necessary, since the accused is known to one of the virtual complainants, as was stated by Ms. Puran.
Seeraj is expected to make his next court appearance on November 4.