3rd man charged in robbery

(CNS): A 35-year-old injured man was charged with robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm Tuesday, in connection with the daylight hold-up at Diamonds International in downtown George Town on New Year’s Day. Jonathan Ramoon, who is the third man charged in the high profile case, was run over by Police Commissioner David Baines during a chase following the broad daylight jewellery store heist. Three armed men fled the scene of the crime with around half a million dollars’ worth of jewels before their escape was foiled by Baines and members of the public. Ramoon, however, was badly injured and was taken to court today by ambulance, wheeled in on a stretcher and returned to the hospital following his appearance.

Ramoon had been listed to appear in Summary Court but police did not confirm that charges had been brought until after 2pm, after the injured man’s appearance before Magistrate Valdis Foldats.

Although remanded into custody, Ramoon remains a patient at the Cayman Islands Hospital, where he is still being treated for what are understood to be serious injuries sustained after he was knocked down by the commissioner’s SUV before he and his alleged accomplices in the robbery, Christopher Myles and James McLean, were arrested.

McLean and Myles have already been charged and made their first court appearances. They are next due to appear in the Grand Court on Friday. Following his appearance today Ramoon’s case was transmitted to the Grand Court, where he will next appear on 24 January.

Since Baines was involved in the apprehension of the suspects and the resultant injuries to Ramoon, the RCIPS has confirmed that the commissioner’s involvement, the car smash and subsequent chase are part of a separate investigation.

Baines has publicly commented that the use of force by any police officer has to be necessary, justified and proportionate, whatever the context and circumstances. As a result, he said, he was assisting the investigating and would continue to do so until a decision has been made about whether or not the force he used was proportionate. The investigation is not, however, an independent enquiry but it is being carried out by officers from the RCIPS who are all under his charge.