Man allegedly robbed woman after she withdrew money from city bank

Last Updated on Friday, 14 October 2016, 20:17 by Denis Chabrol

A father of two is now on remand after appearing before Magistrate Judy Latchman on counts of robbery under arms and possession of gun and ammo.

The charge against Neil Semple is that on September 30, 2016, at Eccles East Bank Demerara, he robbed Rita Arkhan of one Apple I-Phone valued at $100,000, GYD$700,000 in cash, and other items all amounting to GYD$1.6M. At the time of the robbery, Semple was in the company of others and armed with a gun.

It is also alleged on October 11, 2016 at South Ruimveldt Georgetown, the accused had in his possession eleven .32 live rounds of ammo and one .32 pistol, without being the owner of a firearm license. Semple pleaded not guilty to all three charges when they were read to him.

In his objection to bail, Prosecutor Sean Gonsalves stated that the accused gave the police a different address from the one stated in court. As such, he said it is likely that if granted bail Semple may not show up again in court.

The Prosecution’s objection was duly noted and the defendant has been remanded until November 2, 2016.

The court also heard that the woman went to Demerara Bank on Camp Street to withdraw some money. When she neared her home she was allegedly approached by the accused and another person who were armed with a gun .

The two relieved her of belongings and fled the scene. Also, on October 11, 2016 police acted upon information and searched the accused’s residence. There, they allegedly found the gun and ammunition in question, in the vicinity of the washroom.