Dragged victim, stolen console: Magistrate denies bail to accused

February 9 2026

A 23-year-old man of Georgetown, was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged with simple larceny in connection with the alleged theft of a gaming console.

Simon Ifill appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The allegation states that on Friday last, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, Ifill stole one black Nintendo gaming console valued at $70,000, the property of Byanka Barker.

During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, informing the court that the accused has several matters pending and was only released from custody a few weeks ago.

The prosecutor further stated that the offence was allegedly committed while Ifill was out on bail.

The court heard that the gaming console had been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

According to the prosecution, the virtual complainant and the accused initially arranged to meet and later met along Mercedes Street, Georgetown, before proceeding to Mandela Avenue to inspect the item.

It was alleged that while the complainant was examining the console, Ifill rode off on his motorcycle with the item.

The complainant reportedly held onto the rear of the motorcycle and was dragged approximately 50 feet along the roadway before letting go and falling.

The prosecution further related that the gaming console fell from the motorcycle during the incident. The accused allegedly returned to retrieve it, and in the process, a bank card fell from him. He then fled the scene.

The complainant reportedly picked up the bank card, which later assisted police in identifying the accused.

Police subsequently located and arrested Ifill, who was positively identified by the virtual complainant, the court was told.

While the charge was being read, Magistrate McGusty remarked that the accused’s name appeared familiar and questioned whether he had previously appeared before her.

Initially, Ifill stated that he had only one prior matter; however, after further questioning, he admitted that he had appeared before the same magistrate last year.

The court was informed that the previous matters involved an accident and allegations relating to the discharge of a loaded firearm.

Although Ifill had been remanded in that matter, he was released in December—just weeks before the present offence was allegedly committed.

After considering the prosecution’s submissions, the accused’s court history, the circumstances of the alleged offence, and concerns for public safety, Magistrate McGusty denied bail.

The case was adjourned to February 18, and Ifill was remanded to prison.