Teenager admits robbery, denies having gun

(CNS): A 16 year old boy will now be facing trial later this year in connection with a daylight robbery at Chisholm’s supermarket in North Side last year. The teenager who cannot be named because of his age has admitted that he took part in the hold-up in which he and three other offenders made off with cash, jewellery and cigarettes before being apprehended by the police following a coordinated chase with a patrol car and the police helicopter. However, the boy has denied being armed when he went into the store with Courtney Bryan who was recently jailed for four years his part in the crime having admitted both the robbery and being armed with an imitation gun.

The teen who is being represented by local attorney Irwin Banks had been quick to admit his guilt as far as the robbery was concerned. He admitted to being one of the two men that entered the store and held up the 83 year old owner and her grand-daughter but has been persistent in his denials about being armed.

The crown’s case is that the teen along with Bryan entered and robbed the shop after their accomplices Odain Ebanks and Ian Ellington had first gone in to check out the store both of who were carrying what looked like guns. The four men then fled towards East End but after the shop owner had made a note of the license plate the police were able to pick up the escaping vehicle and quickly arrest the four suspects. During the chase police said several things were thrown from the car windows but no weapons were ever recovered.

Both Ebanks and Ellington have pleaded not guilty and are currently scheduled to be tried in February.