imitation firearm appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday for a short-form preliminary inquiry.

Randolph Simons, 27, of Sandys Parish has also been charged with depriving Roberts of her liberty during the October robbery.

He is accused of stealing he allegedly stole a $10,000 payroll belonging to her employer, SKB Coatings.

A Supreme Court trial date was set down for early next year.

Simons will be arraigned on February 1 when he will enter pleas to the charges.

Roberts is the daughter of deputy PLP leader Mr. Walter Roberts.