No bail yet for cop charged with robbery

Richard Radix, of Caparo Road, Arima, appeared before Magistrate Indar Jagroo accused of robbing money lender Peter Williams and relatives, James Knox, Joan Knox and Alicia Knox of $10,000 in cash, $20,000 in jewellery, more than $25,000 in electronics and a Mitsubishi station wagon.

The charges were laid indictably and Radix was not called upon to enter a plea.

Radix’s attorney, Don Lezama, urged the court to show leniency to his client, citing Radix’s role as a father, husband and his years service as an officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

“The accused is a father of three, he has served as an SRP for the past six years, four of which he has spent with the La Horquetta Crime Patrol Unit and has had no prior convictions.

His mother is a police officer, his father is a police officer and he has several relatives who are police officers.” Lezama added that his client cooperated with investigating officers and voluntarily surrendered himself to the police when he learned that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. “Based on his assistance provided and his intention to assist with the ongoing investigations, I think it is safe to say that he has no intention of running or hiding. So we are asking for the court to grant bail in this matter.” Lezama also said that reports given by arresting officers of the number of persons in the house at the time of the robbery, changed from the time of arrest and accused the arresting officers of “stretching the truth” in the details submitted.

The court prosecutor urged the court not to show favouritism by affording Radix special concessions based on his status as a member of the Police Service.

“We cannot be guided, based on his profession, to afford him an opportunity more than what has been afforded an average citizen.” Jagroo said that he would consider granting bail upon reviewing the application.

Radix is expected to re-appear in court today.

Radix was arrested on Thursday last by officers of the La Horquetta Police Station.