Two charged with attempted murder of taxi driver

Two men who allegedly stabbed a taxi driver during an armed robbery appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan Wednesday charged with attempted murder.

Erneste James, a 25-year-old poultry farmer of Old Road, Eccles East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Linden Flavius called ‘Fine Crime’, a 31-year-old construction worker of Agricola, EBD were jointly charged.

It is alleged that the duo on July 11, 2019, at John Fernandes Squatting Area, with the intent to commit murder, wounded Derek Benson.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the victim is still hospitalised and his condition is listed as serious.

The court heard that on the day in question, the victim was operating his taxi when the duo entered and requested to go to West Ruimveldt.

During the journey, it is alleged that Flavius held the victim at gunpoint, while James, who was armed with an ice pick, stabbed him several times and relieved him of cash and jewellery.

The victim managed to crash his car into a pile of wood.  The duo escape and the victim was rushed to a city hospital by public-spirited persons.

The matter was reported to the Police and based on information received, the two defendants were arrested.

They were remanded to prison until August 6, 2019.

Meanwhile, Flavius was taken before Magistrate Faith McGusty where he pleaded not guilty to two armed robbery charges.

It is alleged that Flavius on July 10, 2019, at Georgetown while being in the company of others and armed with guns, robbed Ramsarran Ramsook of a cell phone and cash totalling $218,000.

It is alleged that on the same day and location, Flavius while being in the company of others and armed with guns, robbed Allen Shawn of a bag containing clothes valued $22,000 along with $11,000 cash.

He was remanded to prison until July 31, 2019, for these two charges.