Suspect daylight robbers face trial for courier heist

(CNS): The men charged with the armed robbery of a Sprint Courier van outside an insurance company last October are set for trial on 16 September. The armed daylight robbery occurred in the parking lot ofBritCay Insurance on Eastern Avenue, George Town. West Bay man, Tarick Crawford (18), who is a possible co-defendant of the two men already on the charges, has not yet been joined on the indictment as the courts are awaiting a doctor’s report before he can be tried alongside his alleged co-conspirators. Defendant John Cohen-Ebanks gave two statements admitting his involvement in the crime, while his co-defendant Manuel Carter has entered “not guilty” pleas and upholds his innocence. Both defendants have gained legal representation.

The men are charged with armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm in relation to the daylight heist. Carter is accused of threatening the courier driver with a semi-automatic pistol and got away with about $9,000 cash. His bail application was denied because Justice Charles Quin stated that the case involves a firearm, he is a potential risk to public safety and has a number of previous criminal offenses.

50 year old Cohen-Ebanks, who is charged with the same offences, is now being represented by John Furniss. This defendant’s statements admitting to his involvement revolves around him trying to help his sick mother, who has unfortunately died since he was remanded into custody.

Meanwhile, the third potential co-defendant Crawford has been on bail and is himself struggling with a medical condition. His matter has been adjourned until 1 March to check the progress of Crawford’s doctor report.