Casino robbery accused allegedly robs again
Remanded to prison: Wayne Griffith
Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, yesterday made an appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied a charge of robbery.
The charge alleged that on July 25, last, at Stabroek Market, in the company of another robbed Rezal Khan of a 25 pennyweight gold band and one 10 penny weight gold chain.
Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing that he is a repeat offender and the penalty the charge attracts.
The Prosecutor stated that on the day in question the victim and his wife were in the vicinity of Stabroek Market, heading to the Stelling when they were approached by the defendant who ordered him to hand over his jewelry.
The victim, being fearful for his life, handed over his jewelry to Griffith who then made good his escape. The victim subsequently raised an alarm.
The court heard that police responded promptly and Griffith was arrested while his accomplice escaped.
The prosecutor told the court that when a search was conducted on the defendant the victim’s gold band was found in his pocket.
The prosecutor further informed the court that a confrontation was held between Griffith and Khan. The former was positively identified.
The police prosecutor told the court that the case file is still incomplete. According to information the defendant was currently out on bail after being charged with a $9M robbery at Princess Casino.
It is alleged that on April 29, at Providence, East Bank Demerara Griffith while being in the company of two others, and armed with guns, robbed Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 – property of the Princess Ramada Casino.
According to police, four men arrived at the Ramada Hotel in a white motorcar bearing a fake number plate. They were armed with guns and entered the casino and discharged several rounds.
They relieved a security guard of his shotgun and ordered patrons and staffers to lie on the ground. It was reported that the accused also held a cashier at gunpoint and made off with local and foreign currency.
Three of the alleged bandits reportedly escaped on foot, while police were able to apprehend Griffith since he was allegedly left behind in the casino.
The defendant will make his next court appearance on August 11.