Magistrate Bernard Pacquette has again denied bail to Elrado Ducreay, Craig Christian and Akim Francis, all charged with conspiracy to rob Jewellers International, located at Fort Young Hotel, almost two months ago.
Some 45 Rolex watches, valued at over $1.8-million, were allegedly stolen in the heist, which took place on May 21, 2016.
The prosecution has objected to bail on that basis that if it is granted, the men will “obstruct justice,” hinder the recovery of Rolex watches, which are still missing, and interfere with the witnesses.
They told the court that because of “sensitive information” which they cannot “divulge in open court,” they are asking that bail for the men be further denied. Bail was already denied in early June.
However, lawyers for the accused men say the onus was on the prosecution to establish the allegations they were making.
They said that the police have done extensive searches for the watches and are yet to come up with anything and hence their client ought to be granted bail.
Zena Moore Dyer, Darius Jones, Joshua Francis, Glen Ducreay and Peter Alleyne are the various lawyers for the accused in the matter.
Inspector Michael Laudat, who is representing the prosecution, in response, explained that the defense had a “golden opportunity to hear of the sensitive matters”.
“All they had to request was that the court be cleared and the matter be held in camera, they accepted the fact of the sensitive matter and refused to cross-examine the investigating officer on that matter,” he said.
In his ruling, Magistrate Pacquette said that the court will deny bail and the matter will be further reviewed in 30 days time.
In another matter, Akim Francis claimed that he was interviewed by the police at gunpoint in the heights of Salisbury and was threatened. He also claimed that the police are in serious breach of conduct during the investigation of the matter, among others.
However, Inspector Laudat told the court that Francis was “hiding under the law books of his lawyer” and has not taken the witness stand to give sworn evidence of his allegations of threats and abuse by the police.
“He has not offered a shred of evidence to cause a reasonable tribunal to stay his matter for an abuse,” Laudat said.
He questioned why Francis had not taken the stand in the matter.
“You claim that you were beaten and do not have not one medical certificate from a doctor…is that possible?” Laduat asked.
He said Francis never made a report of the threats to any police station, knowing that there are proper check and balances in law to deal with such.
Magistrate Pacquette denied the request for a stay in that matter.
Tiyani Behanzin is representing Francis in that particular matter.
to all low class people out ur time doe come yet dont be to quick to judge people all people getting bail fore all kinds of things… because we are kalingos thats y….
for theft is no bail but it for murder cases almost everyone gets bail so I guess life is value less than material
They robbed at gunpoint with masks. They stole the Rolex watches worth millions of dollars. The watches are yet to be recovered and they want bail? They should always be denied bail. They are dangerous people who do not deserve bail.
To much injustice taking place in Dominica…..I thought it was innocent until proven guilty…. The justice system is purely injustice. Those who say gud for u will not see gud….if u don’t know the story don’t judge the book. Every time a young man tryna prosper they tryna tie him down. The police need to do their work properly and citizens shud stop telling lies on their brothers and sisters because of jealousy….Jealousy…….all who want to keep a gud man down by telling lies on him and tryna ruin his reputation will see worst…boys stay strong ….the Lord will make a way for u…The tougher the battle the sweeter the victory
So how could Akim make report to any policestation when he was already arrest,laudat foolish or what makes no sense
So wasn’t it four of them, three guys and a woman? They did not say any thing about the Dorset lady? what happen ?
Good job Bernard keep it up do the crime pay for it
Before making a comment check the facts of the case. Typical Dominicans judging without a fact. For 63 days the police haven’t picked up a piece of eveidence bu but yet denies bail. The prosecution comes with pure lies why can’t they come up with the sensitive evidence. We’ll for ur info they were given up to 4pm today to come up with the evidence. Do u really believe a jewellery store would have 45 Rolex watches on display no jewellery store would. Think before u talk could be u one day.
Great
if you do the crime you have to face the time
