50-Y-O granted bail for fraud, police assault and courtroom disorder
January 23 2026
A 50-year-old East La Penitence vendor was granted bail after answering several charges stemming from a disruptive incident at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Roberta Murray appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where she admitted guilt to three offences: assault, resisting arrest, and damage to property.
Murray is accused of assaulting eight police ranks while they were performing their duties.
The alleged incidents occurred on January 5 and January 14, 2026, at Lot 511 East La Penitence, the East La Penitence Police Station, and the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
She is further charged with fraudulent conversion in relation to a June 2025 incident at Ruimveldt, where she was reportedly entrusted with sneakers valued at $581,500 by Dion London for sale but allegedly converted the items for her personal use.
Additional allegations against Murray include the use of indecent language in a public place and damaging a food bin owned by Sergeant Rampersaud.
She is also accused of behaving in a disorderly manner at the Magistrates’ Courts, within the court lock-ups, and at the East La Penitence Police Station, as well as resisting police officers in the lawful execution of their duties.
Public attention was drawn to the matter when Murray allegedly forced her way into an active court session.
According to eyewitness accounts, she bypassed police ranks, entered the courtroom carrying a small basin of merchandise, and repeatedly called out to the presiding magistrate, pleading for assistance.
Murray reportedly told the court that she was seeking intervention on behalf of her son, whom she claimed was wrongfully detained, and alleged that she had been subjected to police harassment for over a year.
Rather than having her removed, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty instructed Murray to take a seat and indicated that her concerns would be addressed.
At her court proceedings, Murray alleged that she was assaulted while in police custody and claimed she had not eaten or bathed since being detained.
She further alleged that three police officers beat her at the East La Penitence Police Station while another officer recorded the incident.
The magistrate observed marks on Murray’s face during the hearing.
Addressing the court, Murray admitted that she resisted arrest on January 5, stating that she panicked upon seeing armed police officers and fled her residence.
However, she denied the fraud charge, explaining that the sneakers were sold under an agreement but that some customers were allowed to take the items on credit and later failed to make payment.
Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty imposed fines totaling $25,000 for the offences of assault, resisting arrest, and damage to property, and granted bail in the sum of $135,000 for the remaining matters.
The case was adjourned to February 13, 2026.
