Pricesmart robbery accused gets bail

Twenty-three-year-old Nigel Burgess of Karamath Street, Tunapuna, was granted $500,000 bail with two sureties to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace.

Magistrate Ejenny Espinet, who presided in the matter in the Port-of-Spain First Court, granted Burgess bail since his tracing revealed that he had no previous convictions or pending matters before the courts. Burgess, who also had conditions attached to his bail, has been ordered to report to the Tunapuna Police Station every Monday and Friday between the hours of 1 pm and 5 pm. Burgess is also required to produce records of his visits to the court.

Burgess’ co-accused were not as lucky, however, as they were both remanded in custody and advised to apply to a judge in chambers for bail.

Tracings for 19-year-old Kedan Caesar of Providence Circular, Arima, revealed that he has four pending matters before the courts. According to the records, Caesar’s matters include a charge of robbery with aggravation which is alleged to have taken place on September 14.

"Due to the nature of the offence which is pending and recent, I am remanding him (Caesar)," said Espinet.

The third accused, Everald Lawrence of Success Laventille, was also denied bail after his tracings showed that he has five matters before the courts. The charges against Lawrence include possession of ammunition and robbery with aggravation.

The three men were reportedly held by police officers who were tipped off about a robbery in progress at Pricesmart’s Invaders Bay warehouse on November 24.

A total of 136 charges were brought against the trio for the failed robbery.

Offences committed include robbery with aggravation, false imprisonment, and possession of arms and ammunition.

The three men will reappear in court on December 9.