The second one facing such a charge in two days, he also appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.

Hopkinson pleaded not guilty to the September 21 offence, particulars of which said he robbed Shammim Rahaman of a gold and diamond ring valued $150,000 and other things worth a total of $165,000.

The defendant denied the allegation and claimed the virtual complainant hired his taxi and did not want to pay him.

Rahaman, when allowed to speak, said Hopkinson was asking for too much money and took him where he and another man beat him and took away his belongings.

Hopkinson was put on $75,000 bail until October 1.