The Tribune

A MAN who reportedly robbed a local bank last week of more than $6,000 while armed with mace, asked a magistrate for help yesterday lest his suicidal thoughts continue.

After being charged with two counts of armed robbery, Carlton Russell, 22, of Maple Street asked Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez yesterday for help.

"I have psychological problems - I need help," he said. "I is feel like committing suicide."

He also said that he was the only individual involved in the incident.

Chief Magistrate Gomez said he would make arrangements for the accused to get the help he needed.

Russell faced two charges of armed robbery.

It is claimed that on Thursday, May 31, while armed with a mace spray, he robbed one employee at the Marathon Mall First Caribbean International Bank of $650 and another of $5,670.

Initial reports indicated that the bank was robbed by two men with handguns at about 11am, one escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Russell is accused of being one of the robbers.

The Pinewood Gardens man was not required to enter a plea to the charges due to their nature. He was told that a Voluntary Bill of Indictment would be served against him on October 4. The Bill will forward the case directly to Supreme Court for trial instead of a lengthy pre-trial.

The accused was remanded to prison until the completion of the trial. He has retained Stanley Rolle to defend him.