The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who maintains he did not kidnap and rob a manager of a laundromat at gunpoint will be appointed a second lawyer at the public’s expense.

Shawn Miller and lawyer Jerone Roberts appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday concerning Miller’s appeal against conviction for the armed robbery and kidnapping of Jet Wash laundry manager Hamilton Dean on May 28, 2008.

Mr Roberts informed the court that he had received notice of his appointment, but having read the transcripts of Miller’s case, the accused should be represented by another lawyer.

Mr Roberts explained that he did not see arguable grounds for appeal in the transcripts, but could recommend some lawyers to give it a look. However, Miller would not be able to afford their services independently, the lawyer added.

Miller, after speaking briefly with Mr Roberts, maintained that he still wished to go forward with his appeal and wished for the appointment of a particular lawyer.

Court of Appeal Justice Anita Allen, however, said the court reserved its right to exercise discretion in that regard.

Approving his request for a second appointment of counsel, Justice Allen emphasised that this was the last time they would do so and adjourned the matter to June 24.

According to testimony at trial, Dean was making preparations to close shop when Miller and another man held him up at gunpoint and ordered him into a car.

The men drove to the Esso gas station on Fox Hill Road before switching cars and ordering Dean to direct them to the home of Jet Wash owner and his relative, Audley Dean.

He complied and the men went to the home in eastern New Providence. When they arrived, Audley Dean came outside to greet the kidnapped man. The assailants pulled a gun on him and robbed the entire Dean family after they entered the house.

Then Senior Justice Jon Isaacs sentenced Miller to 25 years for armed robbery, six years for kidnapping and 17 months on the firearm charge.