‘Robo Cop’ back in court

SELWYN ‘Robo Cop’ Alexis, along with Kevin Simpson and Rooplal Harricharan, reappeared in court yesterday charged with the kidnapping of South businessman Saran Kissoondan on February 23 this year. Two weeks ago, State witness Kevin Richards was found murdered. He was at the time still giving testimony. However, the case could not proceed yesterday because of the absence of another co-accused — Brian Cole — since no Court Note, compelling Cole to appear in court, was forwarded to Remand Yard. The other three appeared before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate, Mark Wellington.

Cole also faces the charge of wrongful imprisonment of Kissoondan. This charge is being heard at the Couva Magistrates’ Court. Cole has been denied bail for this offence and re-appears on this charge, along with the three other defendants, at the Couva court on September 15. Attorney Gillian Lucky, who has been given a fiat by the Director of Public Prosecutions to appear on behalf of the State, expressed disappointment that they were unable to continue with the case because of Cole’s absence. Alexis and Cole are being represented by attorneys Ian Gray and Keith Beckles. Beckles said in court yesterday that, “if the State did not have any frivolous objections to bail, this matter would have been finished already.” Complainant in the matter Cpl Roopnarine, the virtual complainant Saran Kissoondan, his wife Esther and brother Frank Kissoondan were present in court yesterday, as were a few of Alexis’ relatives, including his mother.
The matter was adjourned to September 18.