Guyanese mom on sponge-napper rap

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A Guyanese mother was one of two people who appeared in court charged with stealing stuffed toys including those of TV characters Spongebob Squarepants and Barney from a mini-mart.

Rhonda Daniels, 32 and Rickson Patterson, 42 of La Romaine appeared before senior magistrate Nannette Forde-John.

The charge laid by Constable Mohess alleged that between April 5 and 6 at Mala’s Minimart, La Romaine, they broke in and entered the establishment and stole stuffed toys, perfume and haberdashery valued $9,555.

Patterson said he was “guilty with a cause.” When asked by the magistrate if he broke into the mini mart and stole the items, Patterson said he did not but that he “was there.” A not guilty plea was entered.

Daniels said she was not guilty of the offence.

In asking for bail for her client, attorney Annalee Girwar said Daniels was the mother of an eight-month-old child whom she was breastfeeding.

Daniels who had been staying in Gasparillo was placed on $25,000 bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace. Patterson will be released from custody if he secures $15,000 bail. The case was adjourned to May 31.Spongebob