Leon Duncan, called “Whistle”, the former murder accused who was charged last month with armed robbery, assaulting policemen and discharging a loaded firearm, was yesterday granted bail on the outstanding charges for which he was incarcerated.
Duncan, who was fitted with a cast on his left leg, was lifted into the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore by police officers.
During his court appearance, attorney Mark Waldron requested that his client be granted bail given his condition and the remaining surgeries that he has to have performed on his legs. The attorney also stated that the accused, who has had several matters before Magistrate Azore, has always attended court and would not be a flight risk.
Police prosecutor Worrel Thornhill, however, maintained his objection to the defendant being granted bail.
Despite his objection, Magistrate Azore, agreeing with the attorney, granted Duncan $150,000 bail on the charge which stated that he, on July 14th, at Second Street, Alberttown robbed Nickel Pinkerton of one gold chain valued $98,000 and at the time of, before or after, used personal violence on the said Nickel Pinkerton.
As it related to a joint charge which was instituted against Duncan and Wayne Lawrence, 25, alleging that they robbed Shazeeda Hussain of $90,000 cash on August 25, at Hadfield Street, a bail application was made by attorney Tiffany Jeffery for Lawrence.
This request was also granted and both men were released on $150,000 bail each.
The matters were later adjourned to October 24.
During his first court appearance, Duncan was charged separately with assaulting Oswyn Shepherd and Deon Bascom, on September 25 at Leopold Street; both peace officers acting in the execution of their duties.
He was granted $30,000 for each charge by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
Duncan was also granted $40,000 bail for discharging a loaded firearm on April 15 at the National Gymnasium.
Facts in relation to the matters which occurred on August 25, stated that Duncan and Lawrence, on the day in question, approached Hussain and demanded cash from her. She then refused and Duncan hit her, relieved her of her cash and escaped in a waiting vehicle.
Two cops, who were around at the time, reported the matter to the Brickdam Police Station. After receiving information, they went to Leopold Street where they attempted to arrest Duncan, who resisted. Whilst trying to disarm one of the officers, Duncan was shot.
Duncan was acquitted in 2016 of the murder of Imtiaz Roopnarine at the Cool Square Hotel after a 12-member jury unanimously found him not guilty of the murder.
