Two robbers who held the owner of West Bank Berbice Chinese Supermarket at gunpoint have agreed to repay him after admitting guilt in court.
On Monday, Berbice Magistrate Michelle Matthias granted bail to Cleveland Sears, a 24-year-old construction worker from South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, and his 17-year-old accomplice, who appeared virtually in the Blairmont Magistrates Court.
The Magistrate ordered probation reports for both defendants, which revealed their troubled backgrounds. The teenager reportedly had a history of theft from family and was dismissed from a lemonade factory for stealing money.
As part of the proceedings, attorneys Ronald Daniels and Kevin Morgan advocated for restitution, with Sears showing a willingness to pay $500,000 to the victim.
The Chinese owner agreed to settle for $600,000.
Magistrate Matthias emphasised the importance of accountability and directed both offenders to apologise not only to the victim but also to their families when possible.
Subsequently, both the offenders apologised to the victim.
Ultimately, both individuals were released on their recognisance but must participate in counseling programs provided by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
They are required to return to court on June 27 for an update on their counselling and restitution progress.
Teen among two remanded for robbing Berbice supermarket
The robbery occurred on April 9 at the Sweet Life Supermarket located at Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice.
During the incident, Sears and the teenager were armed with a firearm and a knife. They demanded cash as the supermarket was closing. They successfully stole $500,000 in cash and $400,000 worth of phone cards.
Following the robbery, authorities were notified, and an examination of the crime scene led to the duo’s arrest after CCTV footage identified them.
Confronted with the evidence, they confessed during audio and video interviews, with authorities recovering $7,800 and clothing matching that seen in the footage.
Sears claimed that the firearm was a toy and indicated that the teenager suggested they could make quick money by robbing the supermarket.
The robbers were charged and remanded on April 14 after pleading guilty.
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