June sentencing for escapee who shot policeman
Published:Friday | April 23, 2021 | 12:25 AM
The prisoner who escaped custody last month after disarming and shooting a policeman at the National Chest Hospital in St Andrew in March is to be sentenced in the Gun Court on June 18.
Ricardo ‘Kaka’ Richards, who was facing six charges, pleaded guilty to three of the offences, under a plea deal, when he appeared in court on Wednesday before Justice Sonya Wint-Blair.
The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of robbery with aggravation, illegal possession of firearm, and wounding with intent. However, escaping custody, illegal possession of ammunition, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm charges were withdrawn.
Richards was taken to National Chest Hospital by the police to receive medical care for an ailment on March 12.
However, after his handcuffs were removed for the doctor to treat him, he grabbed a pistol from a policeman who had accompanied him, shot another officer, and fled.
He was recaptured a week later at a guest house in St Andrew during a police operation.
Prior to the incident, Richards had been in police custody awaiting trial on charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and shooting with intent.
He is to return to court on May 17 to answer to those charges.
Attorney-at-law Earnest Davis is representing Richards.