A woman accused of stealing two dogs, among a range of household items, has been granted bail in the sum of $1 million on Friday when she appeared in court.
Steffie Ramdhanie, 27, a vegetable and fruit vendor, appeared before Magistrate Alicia Chankar in the San Fernando First Magistrates Court charged with stealing more than $.9 million worth of items.
It is alleged she stole the items, including an English Bulldog and an American Bully, both valued at $30,000, dog chow, a lawnmower, a bicycle, oxygen and propane tanks, air condition units, hammers and other types of equipment and tools between February 24 and 25 at American Flats, Eccles Village, Williamsville.
The items valued at $986,530 were stolen from a ranch belonging to Anderson Martin who operates a hydroponic business. She was charged by PC Guerero of the Gasparillo Police Station.
Ramdhanie who has been in custody for seven days also lives at American Flats with her parents and two young children.
However, defence attorney Shirvani Ramkissoon said Ramdhanie does not know Martin.
In seeking bail, Ramkissoon said the accused was a first-time offender. She said Ramdhanie developed an infection due to the conditions of the cell at the police station. She said her client was hospitalised for two days. Prosecutor Ramdath Phillip confirmed that Ramdhanie was hospitalised, but could not say what caused her illness.
The prosecutor said he could not verify whether or not Ramdhanie had a criminal record since the complainant was still awaiting the results of the fingerprint trace.
With Ramdhanie’s assistance, Phillip said the police recovered some of the items, but not the dogs.
Accompanied by Guerero, the accused, her attorney and court staff, the magistrate viewed the recovered items in the tray of a police vehicle parked in front of the court building.
Ramdhanie is also being represented by attorney Criston J Williams.
The matter was adjourned to April 5.