…hands file back to Chief Magistrate following accused stated distrust of court

MAGISTRATE Judy Latchman recused herself on Monday from the Princess Casino robbery trial after one of the accused, Wayne Griffith, said “I do not trust this court.’’

To this the magistrate responded, “What sort of attitude is this? I have been taking notes since the beginning of this matter. I have three books filled with writing from this matter.” The magistrate then recused herself from presiding over the matter and she reassigned the case back the chief magistrate.

The matter was adjourned to September 20, 2018.

Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotsville, West Bank Demerara; Junior Stewart, 30, of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown and Andre Blackman, 35, of Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara, are accused of robbing Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 – property of the Princess Casino – on April 29, 2017 at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports, at about 03:20hrs on April 29, 2017 gunmen invaded the casino and engaged in a shoot-out that wounded a police officer and four others. The alleged gunman, Wayne Griffith, who was captured at the scene, reportedly provided police with information, which led to Blackman’s arrest. Additionally, Stewart was reportedly found with some of the stolen money at a house in Vreed–en–Hoop, West Coast Demerara.