Mahaut Suspects Detained Following Attempted Robbery at NP Gas Station in Canefield
A male and female suspect from Mahaut are currently in police custody following a robbery attempt at the National Petroleum gas station in Canefield. Murphy Valarie and Taska Joseph were remanded by Magistrate Michael Laudat on a charge of “assault to commit robbery.”
Both suspects were accused of assaulting one Simon Gage in an attempt to rob the gas station on June 12. Both suspects are being prosecuted by Inspector Francis Laville and both attorneys Wayne Norde and Dawn Yearwood-Stewart are representing Valarie, while Zena Moore Dyer is representing Joseph.
Following their arraignment before Judge Laudat on Monday, June 19, Inspector Laville contended that the offenders be remanded in police custody until investigations are completed so that they will not interfere with official inquiries. He argued that a firearm was used during the assault at the gas station and that other suspects are still at large.
The prosecution stated that the gun used in the offence is yet to be recovered and that given that other suspects are still at large, the suspects pose security risks to the society. “We are also giving the court judicial notice that there is an increase in gun-related crimes in Dominica and the Caribbean and the public is crying out for safety and security,” Laville said.
Attorney Norde countered by arguing that Valarie is not a flight risk and should be granted bail. He said his client has been in custody for seven days and that the police should only arrest suspects after concluding relevant investigations.
“The golden rule is you investigate and arrest, you don’t arrest and then investigate, the matter occurred days ago, and based on the passage of time, I don’t see how if granted bail they will interfere with witnesses,” Norde argued. “We are of the view that it is in the public’s interest to grant bail to them; and although we know that the alleged offense is serious, it attracts zero public interest.”
He said his client cannot interfere with police investigations and that he has a fixed residential address, able to meet bail conditions, and has required guarantors to vouchsafe for him. He stated that his client will come to court on stipulated dates and abide by all the court orders him to do.
Judge Laudat granted the prayers of the prosecution for two additional weeks to complete investigations and then announced that the suspects should be remanded in custody and produced in court on June 20 for a ruling on bail.
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