– in 2016 ‘Ramada Princess’ heist

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Judy Latchman is expected to make her ruling against two men who are on trial for stealing almost $9M during an attack at the Ramada Princess Hotel casino in 2016.

Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara 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, 2016 at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The duo was jointly charged with Junior Stewart, 30, of Thomas Street, Kitty, but a week ago, Magistrate Latchman acquitted Stewart after she found that the police have failed to make a case against him.

On Monday, Griffith and Blackman wrapped up leading their defence, and Magistrate Latchman adjourned the matter until Monday for ruling.

According to reports, at about 03:20hrs on April 29, 2016, 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. Stewart was reportedly found with some of the stolen money at a house in Vreed–en–Hoop, West Coast Demerara.