Big Armed Robbery Case DROPPED; WITNESS vehemently refuses to cooperate

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, November 9, 2023 – It boiled down to the report of Clement Joseph, Principal Public Prosecutor  who told Judge Tanya Lobban-Jackson that he is having extreme difficulties with the Crown’s main witness, the owner of the bar, who was shot and seriously injured in the abdomen.  So serious was his injury, the man had to be flown out to the United States for further medical treatment. Joseph told the Court that his witness is refusing to testify against the defendant, Randall Robinson and informs he wants nothing further to do with the case.

Randall Robinson, a resident of Snake Hill, Providenciales was charged with serious offences including, Discharging firearm, Discharging ammunition, Discharging ammunition with the intent to endanger life, Robbery and Wounding/Grevious bodily harm with intent.

The case stems from a Christmas season (December) 2020 foiled robbery attempt of a business establishment on Millennium Highway at Snake Hill, Providenciales.

In court at the time Mr. Joseph made one final attempt by calling the Virtual Complainant and putting the phone on speaker where all in the Court (except the judge) could have heard and it was clear, there was to be no cooperation for the DPP’s office.

The exchange was described as unpleasant, unkind and disrespectful.  An unprecedented predicament, which the Principal Public Prosecutor explained as a painful and embarrassing experience once the Hon. Lady Justice Ms. Tanya Lobban- Jackson re-entered the courtroom.

The NOLLE PROSEQUI was later read to the defendant and the case was dismissed against him.

In this discontinuation or dropped case, just like in most ‘nolles’, the Crown reserves the right to bring the case back up before the Court if any new developments or new evidence arises.

In speaking to the freed defendant, Randall Robinson as he left the court he responded to question on how he felt about the case being dropped against him, he said, “You just make sure you published I free off that case!” Robinson further said “I going sue them for this, holding up man life for most three years.”

RANDALL JASARIO ROBINSON was on October 17, 2023, nearly three years to the date of the alleged offenses, discharged from any further criminal prosecution pertaining to the incident.

Robinson’s attorney was senior defense counsel, Finbar Grant.