Robber apologises in Court, gives back items after holding Policewoman at knifepoint

A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbing a female police officer at knifepoint.

Videsh Persaud, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted to the offence of robbery under arms.

The court heard that around 19:00 hrs on Tuesday evening, Persaud accosted Police Constable Abigail Valentine on Quamina Street, Georgetown, as she was on her way to work. Armed with a knife, he relieved her of her mobile phone and handbag, which together were valued at $43,000.

However, shortly after the robbery, members of the public confronted Persaud. Upon realising that his victim was a police officer, he returned the stolen items.

During his court appearance Wednesday morning, Persaud pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, telling the magistrate that he had already returned the stolen belongings. When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, he pleaded for mercy and apologised for his actions.

This was Persaud’s first offence, and taking that into consideration, Magistrate Azore sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment.