Latest update January 3rd, 2025 4:30 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Casino robbery accused lead defence

Nov 20, 2018 News

 

Days after a City Magistrate ruled that sufficient evidence was presented against two of three men charged in a multimillion-dollar robbery at the Princess Casino on April 29, 2016; the men yesterday led their defence in the matter.
Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara; and Andre Blackman, 35, of Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara, were informed by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman last Friday that sufficient evidence was led against them, hence the two men yesterday told the court what transpired on the day in question.
The number three defendant, Junior Stuart, 30, of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, last Friday walked out the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts a free man after the Magistrate ruled that insufficient evidence was led against him by the Prosecution team.
The men are accused of robbing Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 – property of the Princess Casino.
Griffith, in his unsworn testimony to the court, stated, “Firstly your honour, I am innocent of the charge. The person in the video that was shown to the court is not me.”
Griffith went on to tell the court that on the day in question he was wearing cream shirt and the person in the video was wearing a black shirt.
He added that he was beaten by ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to sign a caution statement.
Meanwhile, Blackman who also give an unsworn statement told the court that he is innocent of the charge and had nothing to do with the robbery at the Princess Casino.
“ I never steal anything from Princess Casino. I never give anyone any information about Princess Casino and I never sign any statement.”
He added that when he was arrested and taken to CID the allegation of robbery was put to him and he denied.
Blackman went on to tell the court that he was verbally and physically abused by the officers.
The Magistrate adjourned the matter until December 13 when she is expected to rule.
The matter is being prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels.
The Prosecution throughout the trial called 56 witnesses to testify on behalf of the state.
According to police, four men arrived at the Ramada Princess Hotel in a white motorcar bearing a fake number plate.
They were armed with guns and entered the Princess Casino, discharging several rounds in the process.
They relieved a security guard of his shotgun and ordered patrons and staffers to lie on the ground. It was reported that the gunmen held a cashier at gunpoint and made off with local and foreign currency.
Three of the bandits reportedly escaped on foot, while police were able to apprehend one of them who was reportedly trapped in the Casino. One of the men was reportedly arrested in a house a few days after the robbery with a large quantity of wet money and other valuables.
Another defendant, who was a former security guard at the Casino, allegedly provided the gunmen with vital information about the gambling spot’s operations.
During the ordeal, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson and four hotel staffers sustained gunshot wounds.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street ‘A’ for K&S National Futsal title

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street ‘A’ for K&S...

Jan 03, 2025

Lady Royals and Kanaimas to clash for Female championship Kaieteur Sports- The inaugural Kashif and Shanghai/One Guyana National Futsal Championship, which kicked off at the National Gymnasium with...
Read More
Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA Christmas Futsal Champions 

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA...

Jan 03, 2025

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

Jan 03, 2025

Archery Guyana National 2-Day Indoor Senior Barebow Open, shoots off January 11 

Archery Guyana National 2-Day Indoor Senior...

Jan 03, 2025

Grandmaster Jose Luis Montes to lead Self-Defense Seminar

Grandmaster Jose Luis Montes to lead Self-Defense...

Jan 03, 2025

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional boxing

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for...

Dec 31, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]