Low funds delay cop's trial
Published:Tuesday | September 14, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter
The trial of Sergeant Russell Robinson, who is accused of stealing guns from the police armoury, could not proceed yesterday because he cannot afford to pay his lawyer.
Robinson has been remanded to return to the Gun Court tomorrow for Senior Puisne Judge Gloria Smith to decide whether a legal-aid assignment should be made.
When Robinson appeared for his trial yesterday, attorney-at-law Bert Samuels, who had been representing the accused since his arrest in February this year, said he was applying to withdraw from the case.
Samuels, in giving reason for his application, said that after Robinson was arrested, his two motor vehicles were seized by the state.
Samuels referred to a letter he wrote in April to a senior police officer requesting the release of the motor vehicles so that Robinson could "look about his business". He said so far the request has not been complied with.
Dirk Harrison, deputy director of public prosecutions, said he was aware of the seizure. He said he was informed that investigations were continuing and could not say when they would be completed.
The judge granted Samuel's application to withdraw from the case. She ordered a means report for Robinson so that a decision could be made in relation to his legal representation.
Robinson is charged with illegal possession of 18 firearms. It is being alleged that he was held in February on Munster Road, Kingston 2, with guns belonging to the police armoury.
Three civilians who were charged in connection with the find pleaded guilty. They were sentenced last week to prison terms ranging from 10 to 13 years.