A 38-year-old man who was shot and his friend killed when they attempted to rob an off duty policeman in Marabella has been jailed for 18 months.
Nigel George, of St John Street, Marabella, pleaded guilty in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court to assaulting the police sergeant with intent to rob.
The police sergeant is attached to the San Fernando Court and Process Department.
George’s accomplice and good friend Akimo Cobham was fatally shot during the failed robbery which occurred on the night of March 15.
The officer was sitting in his $65,000 Nissan Wingroad at New Haven Road, Marabella, when George and his friend, both armed with a gun and dressed in black clothing, ran up to his vehicle.
Court prosecutor Sgt Krishna Bedassie said George pointed his gun at the police sergeant and shouted “get out of the car, we want your car and money.”
The other man opened the front passenger door and also pointed his gun at the officer, demanding that he give up his car.
The officer became fearful of his life, drew his licensed firearm and fired at the men.
Ishmael observed George clutching his groin area as he ran south along the road and escaped.
George later went to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the right lower abdomen. Cobham died at the scene.
Acting ASP Andrew John, who laid the charges, conducted inquiries, recorded statements and obtained George’s medical report.
He was also identified by the police sergeant at an identification parade.
George did not have an attorney, but Magistrate Indar Jagroo asked attorney Ainsley Lucky to assist him.
Lucky said George claimed he was drinking and smoking that night and was influenced by his friends to commit the crime.
George also apologised to the officer in open court. He had a long list of previous criminal offences comprising of two pages.
The maximum penalty for this offence is three years hard labour, but the magistrate gave him a one-third discount because he pleaded guilty.
