Two granted bail in robbery case

Two of three Black Rock men accused of robbing a man of $70 were granted bail on Thursday, while the third was remanded to Dodds Prison.

Raphael Deshawn Johnathan Richardson, 21, Malique Haynes Goodman, also 21, and Keshawn Omar Yearwood, 19, all of Free Hill, pleaded not guilty to robbing Rico Holligan of $70 on August 25.

While there was no objection to bail for Richardson and Goodman, Prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips told the court that Yearwood, who has no previous convictions, was already on bail from the same court for a similar offence.

Keshawn Omar Yearwood. (Photo Credit: Jenique Belgrave)

“Under the new Bail Act, it speaks of getting bail and then being back before the court. The fact that he is back here again and having his name called in a similar matter, shows that he had no respect for the judicial system, even though the court tried to assist him the previous time.  In addition, we are looking at the seriousness of the offence and that the witness gave evidence in this matter.” the prosecutor said.

Yearwood denied involvement, saying: “I wasn’t dey. I don’t know anything about this.”

Magistrate Manila Renee remanded Yearwood to Dodds Prison, while granting Richardson and Goodman bail of $5 000 each with surety and warning them to stay away from the complainant.

The three will reappear in court on September 24.

Goodman was represented by Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens.

(JB)