Three men accused of being a part of the gang that robbed the Bank of Baroda branch at Mon Repos last Friday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court yesterday charged with the crime and were remanded to prison.
Taxi driver Sean Aaron, 23, of Lot 17 North East La Penitence, Technician Kennard Jabar, 28, of Lot 88 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, and Eon Campbell, 39, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
It is alleged that on January 22, at Mon Repos, the three accused, together with others, robbed Raywanttie Lall and Latchmie Mohabir of $2,075,900 in cash and Shirley Lucas of a .32 Taurus revolver, property of Roshan Khan Security Service.
Campbell, who was identified as a tint shop owner, was the only one represented by counsel at the hearing. His attorney requested that reasonable bail be granted to his client, stating that he is a well-respected business owner and has been in the field of graphic design for more than 15 years. Counsel argued that given Campbell’s reputation, he will not be a flight risk as he is sure to return for trial to vindicate himself.
Police prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail being granted to the accused for the “brazen daylight robbery” citing the gravity of the offence and the penalty attached. He also pointed out that a firearm was taken during the act. Jones added that the police are in possession of two caution statements that record the three accused admitting they were a part of the robbery.
Campbell’s attorney, in response, denied that his client had admitted involvement in any crime, saying that the caution statement had nothing to do with Campbell. He added that Campbell’s only involvement in the matter was the removal of tint from a vehicle allegedly involved in the robbery.
The Chief Magistrate denied bail to the trio based on the seriousness of the charge, the prevalence of armed robberies, the fact that a lethal weapon was stolen and the matter of public safety.
The matter was adjourn-ed to February 9, and transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.
It was reported previously that the Bank of Baroda, Mon Repos branch was robbed around midday last Friday, when four men, one of whom was armed with a gun, entered the bank and held up the lone female private security guard on duty and took away her .32 service revolver.
During the attack, which lasted for about five minutes, the men then held up the two female tellers, grabbing the cash and escaping in a waiting silver grey/off white Premio car bearing false registration plate PNN 8984.
On Monday, police arrested Campbell who allegedly provided the false number plates. He was the third suspect to be arrested in relation to the robbery as the other two suspects had been detained during the period Friday to Saturday.
