A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to an armed robbery charge involving a female police officer. The incident unfolded on Quamina Street, Georgetown, when Videsh Persaud, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, accosted Police Constable Abigail Valentine as she was heading to work.

Armed with a knife, Persaud robbed the officer of her mobile phone and handbag, valued at $43,000. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when members of the public confronted Persaud shortly after the robbery. Upon realising that his victim was a police officer, he returned the stolen items.

During his appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Persaud pleaded guilty and expressed remorse for his actions. He apologised to the court and noted that he had already returned the stolen belongings. This was Persaud’s first offence, which the magistrate considered before handing down the 18-month prison sentence.

The case highlights both the swift response of the public and the legal system’s approach to first-time offenders, even in serious cases involving armed robbery.