Sick defence attorney forces adjournment in robbery trial

THE TRIAL of two men charged with attempting to rob Toco bar owner Frank Lee Kim while impersonating police officers, was yesterday adjourned to Monday because defence attorney Selwyn Mohammed was ill. Mohammed, who was reportedly afflicted with a toothache, was unable to proceed with the cross-examination of Lee Kim yesterday. The bar owner had given his evidence-in-chief on Wednesday. Mohammed is representing Don Lopez of Couva, who is jointly charged with Trevor Ifill of Sangre Grande for the offences. Ifill is being represented by attorney Larry Williams, while State attorney Alexander Prince is prosecuting.

The two are before Madame Justice Joan Charles in the Port-of-Spain Sixth Criminal Court charged with assault with intent to rob, shooting with intent and possession of a firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that on February 1, 2001, the men entered the bar at Toco Main Road, Cumana Village, Toco, dressed in what appeared to be “tactical uniform.” They reportedly ordered food and beer and subsequently attempted to rob Lee Kim. An altercation ensued, during which Lee Kim’s brother-in-law Sue Jam Lloyd was shot by the one of the accused. The bar owner was yesterday cross-examined by Williams and is expected to be cross-examined by Mohammed when the trial resumes on Monday.