Trial in pawn shop robbery delayed

(CNS): A man accused of robbing a Bodden Town pawn shop who is currently on remand had his trial cancelled on Friday which was due to start on 17 September as a result of his attorney no longer being able to represent him because of an undisclosed conflict. Despite the massive backlog of trials currently in the Grand Court the case had to be deferred to give Aaron McLaughlin (20) an opportunity to find another lawyer and brief him regarding the case. Given the impending date the acting judge said it was unrealistic to expect a new attorney to be ready in just over one week and vacated the trial date. McLaughlin has denied being the man who held up the Cashwiz store on 31 May.

The crown claims that McLaughlin threatened staff at the store with an imitation weapon and stole $61 and a gold ring. McLaughlin is also accused of assaulting a police officer during his arrest a short distance from where the daylight robbery had occurred.

Justice Beswick remanded McLaughlin in custody to HMP Northward until 21 September when he will return to court to deal with his representation and a new date.