Repeat offender remanded for armed robbery

Dennis Johnson, a 23-year-old amputee who was arrested for allegedly robbing a taxi driver of his motorcar and other valuables at gunpoint, was on Monday remanded to prison for armed robbery. 

Johnson, who had to be assisted into the courtroom because of his amputated leg, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

Particulars of the charge alleged that Johnson, on May 20, 2021, at Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt Gardens, while in the company of another, robbed Alwyn DaSilva of a motor car valued at $3.6M and a cell phone valued at $4,000. The prosecutor objected to Johnson being released on bail since he is a repeat offender. 

The prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, DaSilva was working his taxi and picked up Johnson at Bachelor’s Adventure. Johnson requested to be transported to Cane View Avenue. Upon arrival, Johnson allegedly pulled out a knife and held it to the victim’s neck. His accomplice, who was at the location waiting, relieved DaSilva of his cell phone. The duo then drove away in the victim’s motorcar in an unknown direction.

The matter was reported to the police and, on June 4, while at the Brickdam Police Station for a follow-up, DaSilva saw Johnson at the station and pointed him out. 

Johnson told the court that the victim was “lying on him” and he is innocent of the charge. He further told the court that he does not get involved in “petty crimes” except for selling narcotics. 

The Magistrate, however, remanded Johnson to prison until June 18.  

Johnson is no stranger to the court and in 2019, was charged for armed robbery and gun possession; those charges were later dismissed.  In 2018, Johnson’s left leg was amputated after he was involved in a serious accident following a high-speed chase with the police.