Akeem Sinclair, a 23-year-old porter who police say robbed a city moneychanger and shot him even after he handed over all his currency, is now a remanded prisoner after being charged with armed robbery. The charge alleged that on July 29th, at Longden Street, in the company of another and armed with a gun, Sinclair robbed Rickford Richardson of $120,000 in cash.
Sinclair denied the charge.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted based on the serious nature of the offence, the fact that a gun was used during the commission of the crime and the fact that Richardson remains hospitalised.
It is the police’s case that Richardson was on Longden Street, where he usually operates a money changing business, when Sinclair and another person approached on a motorcycle. It is alleged that Sinclair, who was the pillion rider, dismounted and took a firearm, pointed it at the victim and demanded that he hand over the cash. The man handed over the cash and Sinclair allegedly then shot him to one of his legs. He then made his escape on the motorcycle.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded the man to prison and adjourned the matter until August 30th.
