‘Whistle’ charged with robberies, assaulting cops

As a result of a gunshot wound to his thigh, former murder accused, Leon Duncan was on Wednesday lifted into the courtroom of Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer charges of robbery among others.

Duncan, known as “Whistle” or “World Boss,” pleaded not guilty to two robbery charges, discharging a loaded firearm and assaulting two police officers.

The court heard that on July 14, 2018, at Second Street, Alberttown, he robbed Nickel Pinkerton of a gold chain valued $98,000 with the use of personal violence.

It is further alleged that on April 15 at the National Gymnasium, he discharged a loaded firearm.

It is also alleged that on August 25 at Leopold Street, he unlawfully assaulted Police Constable Oswyn Shepherd, who was acting in the execution of his duties. He was also charged with assaulting Police Officer, Deon Bascom.

Meanwhile, Duncan was charged in conjunction with Wayne Lawrence, 25, for allegedly robbing Shaneeza Hussain, a vendor, of $90,000 in cash on August 25 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown. They denied the charge.

Duncan was represented by Attorney-at-law, Keoma Griffith, who told the court that his client was shot to the upper right thigh by one of the police officers who tried to apprehend him.

Police Prosecutor, Quinn Harris said that on August 25, Duncan and Lawrence were observed by the cops escaping in a vehicle after robbing the vendor.

The matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station and a party of policemen went to Leopold Street where they attempted to arrest Duncan.

It is alleged that Duncan tried to disarm one of the arresting officers and was shot during the process. 

Harris objected to the two accused being released on bail.  They were remanded until September 26. 

Duncan was freed in 2016 for the murder of Imtiaz Roopnarine at the Cool Square Hotel after being found not guilty in the High Court.