4 years jail for hijacker who crashed car, robbed couple

The 32-year-old man who hijacked a grey motorcar (PYY 9631) and crashed it into a bridge under construction at Plaisance Railway Embankment during a police chase was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment after pleading guilty on Thursday.

John Blair of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate A. George where the charges of armed robbery and possession of a firearm without a license were read to him.

Police said Blair pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined $100,000 in addition to the jail sentence.

Blair was arrested on October 10, 2021, after he robbed Joel Prince, 29, and his 21-year-old girlfriend Otisceia Innis of their jewellery and the car.

The News Room had reported that on the day in question, Prince and his girlfriend were at the Industry seawalls when Blair and his alleged accomplice approached them and robbed them at gunpoint.

As the suspects were escaping in the car, a police patrol vehicle passed by and the victims managed to stop the police and reported what transpired.

The police then gave chase and caught up with Blair who had crashed into the bridge under construction. His accomplice, who was also inside the car, managed to escape from the scene of the accident. However, persons in the area managed to capture Blair in his attempt to escape.

Videos seen by the News Room saw Blair been beaten by residents after the accident.  The unlicensed handgun and a magazine with five rounds of ammunition were found inside the front passenger seat of the car.