Three men were committed on Tuesday to stand trial in the San Fernando Assizes for kidnapping a Marabella taxi driver four years ago.Vern Mitchell, of Chaguanas, Keston London, of Carlsen Field, and Keron George of Barataria were remanded in custody.They were initially granted bail and were seated in the public gallery in the San Fernando First Magistrates Court when their matter was called.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington said the prosecution had led sufficient evidence for them to stand trial before a judge and jury.Mitchell said he had an attorney, but could not account for her whereabouts. The other accused said they had no legal representation.They, along with Keston Ali, of Phyllis Trace, Enterprise, were charged with kidnapping Chaitram Sawh on April 9, 2009; committing grievous bodily harm on Sawh; and demanding a ransom from Sawh's father Deonarine.
Ali failed to appear in court in January and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.Sawh, 49, was snatched from a car park after dropping off his father at a bank in Marabella. A man later demanded a $200,000 ransom from Sawh's father, Deonarine, for his release.Hours later Sawh was found beaten and tied to a tree in Claxton Bay. The men were arrested and charged by PC Dion Phillip.