Men freed of robbery charge

A woman who seemed to call on divine intervention for robbery accused in court on Tuesday, appeared to have turned the tide in their favour.

Alex Bailey and Oshane Ward were charged with robbery with aggravation. Bailey had been in custody, while Ward was out on bail. As Parish Judge Tracy-Ann Robinson called the case, the woman bent her head and clasped her hands, whispering what appeared to be a heartfelt prayer. The complainant was then called to the stand and expressed concerns about his demanding job.

"I work on a ship [and] it's coming back in two weeks, and I don't have the time to come to court, so I don't want to miss the date. My job keeps me busy seven days a week," he explained.

The prosecutor asked the complainant, under oath, if he had been bribed or threatened, but he strongly denied both. Moments later, Robinson delivered the ruling that sent shock waves through the courtroom.

"Based on the evidence of [complainant's name], no evidence offered against you. You are both hereby discharged. You are free to go in relation to this matter," she said.

As the judge's words resonated, the praying woman pressed her head on the bench, seemingly giving thanks for the dismissal of the charge.

Ward, overjoyed, celebrated by bumping fists with Bailey who was still in cuffs, before happily leaving the courtroom. - T.P.