Man admits robbing taxi driver
A story in Tuesday's paper incorrectly stated that Vincent Burch pleaded guilty during the Supreme Court arraignment session to robbing taxi driver Leon Trott and wounding him. Burch maintained his not guilty plea. His co-accused Stedman Clarke admitted to those charges.
A man accused of robbing taxi driver Leon Trott and slashing his throat pleaded guilty in Supreme Court yesterday to two of the charges against him.
Co-defendant Vincent Burch, who stood in the dock with his alleged accomplice Stedman Clarke, changed his plea before Acting Chief Justice Norma Wade.
Burch pleaded guilty to robbing Leon Trott of $250 and wounding him. The charges stem from an alleged incident on September 1 last year. Burch will be sentenced in October following a social inquiry report, meanwhile the trial of Burch is set to get underway later this month.
Mrs. Justice Wade dealt with a number of outstanding cases in the court's monthly arraignment session. Justis Smith, charged with the murder of Canadian teenager Rebecca Middleton was up for mention. Smith will re-appear in court next month when a trial date may be set.
Glenn Robinson's trial starts tomorrow in Supreme Court. Robinson is accused of causing the death of the late Permanent Secretary for Labour and Home Affairs, Ernie Owen in March, 1995.
Mr. Robinson, who is defended by Mr. Julian Hall, is charged with causing Owen's death by reckless driving. The charges stem from a traffic accident alleged to have taken place on Harbour Road.
Death by reckless driving charges were also read out yesterday to Randolph Lightbourne who pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Colin George Francis on October 16th 1995.
Lightbourne also entered a plea of not guilty to conspiring to obstruct justice. Lightbourne already faces charges of armed robbery at the Somerset Branch of the Bank of Butterfield and another set of charges stemming from a robbery at knife point at Woody's Drive-in Restaurant.
The arraignment session was held up yesterday due to the late arrival of prisoners, a delay believed to have been caused by a prison officers' labour dispute.
Failing to appear due to the delay were Randell Walker and Jennifer Scott who will be in court today.
Also appearing in court yesterday was a man who pleaded not guilty to charges of having carnal knowledge of a girl under 14.
Later in the session Kenneth and Gregory Wade pleaded not guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Drugs charges were also denied by Jody Wilson who was accused of possession and cultivation of cannabis as well as possession of a fire arm and ammunition.