Magistrate Michael Laudat has denied bail to a Marigot man charged in connection with the theft of a vehicle that he alleged used in a robbery. Michael Hazel Andrew appeared before the Roseau Magistrate Court, charged with taking conveyance and robbery.
It is alleged that on September 19, 2023, at Goodwill, Hazel without consent of the owner or lawful authority took certain conveyance namely one white Honda HRV registration number PQ354 for his own use.
The following day, September 20, 2023, Hazel is further accused of robbing Sherma Bernard of the sum of $634.50 belonging to Mam’s supermarket.
It was earlier reported that on the aforementioned date, a masked man entered the said supermarket and held the cashier at gunpoint demanding she hand over money from the cash register. Dominica News Online (DNO) was informed that at the time of the robbery, the gunman was wearing a grey hoodie, black long pants, a black mask, and rubber gloves.
The individual successfully made his escape with $634.50 in cash. After exiting the building, the robber drove away in an HRV vehicle in a southern direction.
At the hearing, Andrew was not required to enter a plea since the matter is an indictable offense, expected to be tried at the High Court before a Judge and jury.
The Police Prosecutor did not object to bail but requested that should the accused be released,+ it be with a proper surety.
However, Magistrate Laudat informed the prosecutor that bail is the discretion of the Court and given the circumstances of the alleged offense committed by Andrew, the Court was not inclined to grant bail.
“The Court is satisfied that you should be kept in custody and bail is denied for the protection of the community and the preservation of public order,” Magistrate Laudat stated.
He added, “Persons should be able to walk the streets of Dominica freely and business owners and employees should be allowed to operate free of fear.”
The matters were adjourned for December 14, 2023, and February 19, 2024, respectively, for the start of the Preliminary Inquiry.
@Bwa-Banday, I too wonder whether inexperience was the reason.
Further, if I were the procsecutor’s supervisor I would have a discussion with the view of ensuring the pros and cons of their decision was adequately understood.
Wow. Man you left all the way up Marigot to commit that crime man? You think you can do that and escape like Chichi the third, who killed a biker and was allowed to run from the country with blood all over him? Think before you act!!!
The person that stole our $7.8 billion dollars introduced and legalized stealing, lawlessness and all manner of crimes in Dominica and no damn dog barks so unfortunately our young men that have been depressed and oppressed by the oppressor are doing the same examples set by the person that stole our $7.9 billion dollars. But guys don’t commit crime because that will mess up your future.
$600.00 dollars stolen and the unauthorized use of the vehicle defendant was denied bail. Man killing and murdering, money laundering, and barrel filled with guns; most of these criminals got bailed and others had their cases given state funeral. I don’t understand our judicial system in Dominica. It all has to do with who you know. He would have granted bail if he was from grand bay the Red sheepish flock. But on the other hand, the robber got what he deserved; I just wished that everyone should pay the exact penalty for their crimes and not just some. But God is the Chief Judge. So all these little tiny judges who are not being equally balanced and equitable in handing down penalties will one day give an account for their unrighteousness. My advice to the judges and magistrates is this: Read the book of Habakkuk. It will be the best Law book you’ll ever read. If you practice the lessons there in you will judge rightly at all times. Then, skip forward to the book of Jude chapter 1.
Zandoli; if murderers and let us be clear, double murderer can be granted bail; I think it is double standards, and hypocrisy for a magistrate to decline bail in this case.
People do not have to steal, nevertheless, that is an ancient thing; in the Middle East, in most Muslim nations, they chop off the hands of thieves; I doubt such practice are still in effect.
However, I will continue to argue, it will get worst in Dominica, until Roosevelt, or some new government can manage to bring sustainable industries, into the country, where the youths of the country can find employment.
Remember, people are materialists; they see government ministers dirt poor get into politics, never done anything significant prior, and in a matter of days, and months they own houses valued in the millions, and more than one: So, they want the same thing!
They want to be like the politicians, hence they steal, and sell drugs to be like them!
Blame Roosevelt Skerrit for that!
@Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque, believe you me, even if a county has 100% employment rate and the “best” government, and even the “best” government system they will still be unlawfull behaviour including murder and theft.
@ Francisco…..The solution is not to grant bail to all and sundry with total disregard for the safety of ordinary citizens. I have always been an advocate for equal treatment under the law. Therefore the judicial branch needs to apply the law fairly without regard for the person’s social status or connections.
that crime is not worst than the navy seals who tied the challenged man and throw him in a raging river
I am sure MEME,Francisco Ibo and the new ahole on the block Hello will say he robbed the supermarket because Skerrit did give him a job.Supporters of criminals and criminal activities.
@Lin clown why can you and some others can’t make your comments without using “gutter words or language such as the a word in this case. Be respectful to others (readers). Gosh man.
That is very good news .Good police work and the response of the public. Like the judge said people should feel free to operate their business and walk the street without fear of being robbed by hooligans.
Well done, Magistrate! Thank you.
This man is accused of vehicular theft and armed robbery and the prosecutor did not object to bail. Did the perp have to kill the shop owner for bail to be opposed?
Although I am a firm believer of innocence before proven guilty, if there is overwhelming evidence pointing to a person’s guilt and depending on the nature of the crime, I have no issues in denying bail to protect society
Great job comrade. Keep his rear-end locked behind bars. Good bowling sir! But I will say further that I am surprised that the police prosecutor did not object to bail for such a serious offense. Is it because of inexperience?
@Bwa-Banday, I too wonder whether inexperience was the reason.
Further, if I were the procsecutor’s supervisor I would have a discussion with the view of ensuring the pros and cons of their decision was adequately understood.