A 23-year-old construction worker from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbing a female police officer at knifepoint in Georgetown.

The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Quamina Street as Police Constable Abigail Valentine was on her way to work. The accused, Videsh Persaud, confronted her with a knife, demanding her mobile phone and handbag, which together were valued at $43,000. The brazen attack on a law enforcement officer shocked bystanders and highlighted ongoing concerns about street crime in the capital.

Shortly after the robbery, Persaud was confronted by members of the public. Upon realising his victim was a police officer, he returned the stolen items. He was subsequently apprehended and brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

In court, Persaud expressed remorse for his actions, apologising to the officer and the court, and pleaded for leniency. He emphasised that he had returned the stolen belongings and noted that this was his first offence.

Taking into account his guilty plea, expression of regret, and the return of the stolen property, Magistrate Azore handed down an 18-month prison sentence. The case underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on violent crimes, particularly those targeting law enforcement personnel, while also considering mitigating factors such as remorse and restitution.

The incident has reignited calls for increased vigilance and community cooperation in the fight against crime, as well as support for officers who face risks both on and off duty.