Alleged purse thieves in court

A San Fernando magistrate yesterday denied bail to three men who allegedly robbed two female pedestrians of brand name purses, other personal items and a quantity of cash. The value of the items amount to more than $21,000.

Evon Cadet and Akeem Sobers, of Santa Cruz and Tobago respectively, appeared before Magistrate Kerianne Byer in the First Court to answer a total of four charges. The third accused, Ronald Gabriel of San Juan, was absent. Newsday learnt that a Port of Spain magistrate sent him to jail on Thursday.

Cadet, Sobers and Byer are accused of robbing the women at Knox Street, San Fernando on November 14. One of the men allegedly had a firearm.

One woman was allegedly robbed of a Michael Kors purse and wallet, valued $2,500 and $1,200 respectively, her cell phone and other items.

The other woman was allegedly robbed of a $3,000 Michael Kors purse, a Gucci wallet, cash and other items together valued at $13,500.

Cpl Bisnath of the Southern Division Task Force laid the charges.

Two additional charges were laid against Sobers by PC Sadahanan of the Rapid Response Unit. It is alleged that on November 14 at the San Fernando bypass, he had in his possession a revolver and four rounds of .38 ammunition.

The charges were laid indictably and the men were not called upon to plead.

Police said Sadahanan and PC Mohammed intercepted a car at the San Fernando bypass after they received a report of a robbery. They arrested the driver. Two passengers managed to evade police.

Sobers complained yesterday he has a bladder infection.

Byer suggested that he bring it to the attention of prison authorities.

Byer remanded the men into custody to reappear on Tuesday.