Labourer freed in absence of witnesses

A MARABELLA labourer who allegedly shot a policeman and robbed another man was freed yesterday in the San Fernando High Court because neither of the victims was in the country to testify against him. Miguel Williams, 33, was acquitted of robbery with violence, shooting with intent, possession of arms and possession of ammunition. He was represented by attorney Dexter Bailey. When the matter was called before Justice Herbert Volney in the First Court, State Prosecutor Althea Alexis said she was not able to proceed with the trial because the victims, police officer Steve Simmons and Wayne Richards were both unavailable to give evidence. 

It was alleged that on October 5, 1996, Williams was one of four men who accosted Simmons and Richards outside the Villa Capri Club, on Agnes Street, Marabella. Simmons was shot in his right arm, while Richards was robbed of $12,270 worth of jewelry and items, and $1,800 in cash. Williams was committed  to stand trial in the High Court by a San Fernando magistrate in November 1998.