Security guard granted bail in Western Union theft

A 31-year-old security guard appeared before a Port of Spain Magistrate yesterday charged with the theft of approximately $653,000 from a Port of Spain branch of Western Union on last Monday.

Mahesh Isa Ram, of Diamond Lane, Crown trace, Enterprise, Chaguanas appeared before magistrate Sheron Rafael charged with breaking and entering and larceny as well as malicious damage to the safe in which the money was kept and wasteful employment of police time. The charges were read by Rafael and all but the charge of wasting police time were laid indictably, to which Ram pleaded not guilty.

Ram's attorney, Fareed Ali urged Rafael to show his client leniency given that he has no prior convictions or matters before the court and that his family is of limited means. After careful consideration, Rafael granted Ram bail in the sum of $350,000.

Ram is expected to reappear in court on September 19. Last Monday at around 1.30 am, Ram who was on duty as a security guard at Excellent City Centre reported that abducted by two masked gunmen before they broke into the safe and stole the money. Ram claimed that he was later dropped off in central Trinidad and reported the incident to the PoS Criminal Investigations Department.

After several inquiries however, a file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who gave instructions to charge Ram.