A 38-year-old tattoo artist was remanded to prison on Friday after being charged with breaking and entering the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) daycare and preschool in Georgetown, making off with more than $277,000 in household and school items.

Nicholas Choy, of Lot 168 Robb Street, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The charge alleges that on May 12, Choy unlawfully entered the facility at Lot 106, Croal Street, and stole a range of items including a microwave, industrial fan, mattresses, water dispenser, JBL speaker, garbage bin, and a quantity of school supplies.

Choy, who claims innocence despite video evidence, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He told the court he was a businessman and tattoo artist, and insisted he had no involvement in the break-in, stating that he merely encountered a “junkie” passing by with a garbage bin, which he claimed was dropped and abandoned when police arrived. However, the prosecution presented clear video footage allegedly capturing Choy during the break-in and in possession of the stolen items. It was also revealed that Choy was found taking a shower in one of the rooms at the facility.

The court heard that some of the stolen items were recovered in Choy’s possession. Despite his explanations, Magistrate McGusty denied bail, citing the seriousness of the evidence and the fact that Choy was found with the items in question.

Choy has a previous history with the law, having been charged in 2022 for allegedly stealing over $400,000 in items from a man’s car, though that matter was later dismissed. He is scheduled to return to court on June 6, 2025, as the case continues.