bail by the Senior Magistrate.

Reid Jones, 24, of Manchester Street, Sandys, appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday in a bid to gain bail.

Jones was charged last week with using a firearm to rob the Bank of Butterfield of a bank bag containing $70,000 in cash while concerned together with Randolph G. Lightbourne, of Devon Springs, Devonshire, on July 8 in Sandys Parish.

He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offence.

Lightbourne, 31, was charged with four additional offences including using a firearm to commit an indictable offence, possessing a firearm and attempting to do grievous bodily harm to Clayton Simmons and Randolph Spencer and unlawfully wounding them at the same time and place. Crown Counsel Khamisi Tokunbo yesterday urged Senior Magistrate Will Francis to deny Jones bail for his part in the "brazen and vicious'' daylight robbery.

But defence lawyer Mark Pettingill argued for his client's right to bail and suggested Mr. Francis impose strict bail conditions.

Noting that Jones was accused of a "serious'' offence, Mr. Francis denied him bail saying: "The evidence is strong and if convicted, the sentence is likely to be long.'' Jones faces a maximum prison sentence for of 14 years, if convicted of the offence.

Before remanding Jones in custody, Mr. Francis added: "I must, especially in a case like this, consider the public.'' Two masked and armed robbers entered a side door at the Somerset branch of the Bank of Butterfield at about 10.15 a.m. on July 8.

Two bank security officers were making a cash delivery at the time and they, plus a third officer who went to their assistance, were assaulted by the intruders who incapacitated the guards and fled with a bag of cash.

The bandits were forced to flee on foot, when their getaway bike would not start.

Two other people have been questioned in connection with the robbery. It is not known when or if they will appear in court.

Both Jones and Lightbourne will return to court for mention on July 24.