Sophia taxi driver charged with attempted murder, robbery

A Sophia taxi driver was charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of robbery under arms and one count of attempted robbery when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday afternoon.

It is alleged that Samuel Adams, in the company of another, on February 3, 2017, discharged a loaded firearm at Christopher Marks with intent to murder him.

In addition, on the same day at Mandela Avenue, armed with a firearm, Adams attempted to rob Ramroop Ramnauth of his valuables.

Finally, the accused on December 6, 2016, at Urquhart Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Finance Ministry, with intent to commit murder, discharged a loaded firearm at Virtual Complainant (VC), John Bryan and robbed him of some $3 million.

Adams’ lawyer, Dexter Todd, told the court that his client was held for 12 days in police custody post-arrest. He related that he was only aware of one charge against his client – the Urquhart Street armed robbery charge.

Todd further stated that his client was not informed of any other charges against him, despite reporting regularly to an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Adams had reportedly loaned his car to another individual, who was arrested in connection with the December robbery. He continued that when Adams visited the Brickdam Police Station to enquire about his vehicle, he was also arrested.

Todd said the Police sought to incite his client to act as a Police informant, but upon his refusal, he was allegedly assaulted by Police ranks and dealt several punches to various parts of his body. The Attorney claimed that the ranks even threatened to shoot his client.

Meanwhile, Adams stood in the prisoner’s dock sobbing vigorously.

The prosecution told the court no report was made of the alleged beating.

Bail was objected to, based on the nature of the offences and penalties attached.

The Magistrate denied bail for Adams, who would again face the courts on March 22.