Magistrate Michael Laudat has denied bail to a Marigot man charged in connection to 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.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Linda Daisy 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.
