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.

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