The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TWO men accused of committing armed robberies claimed they were beaten by officers while in police custody.

Alpheus Rolle, 24, and Rashando Gibson, 31, reported the matter during their hearing before Magistrate Kara Deveaux- Turnquest yesterday.

Police allege the two used a handgun to rob a man of his 2012 Nissan Note on January 12. Rolle faced three other charges of armed robbery after he was accused of robbing three different men at gunpoint sometime between January 9 and February 3. Police allege items stolen from the victims included clothing, jewellery, personal bank cards and $200 cash.

Police also said Rolle had an unlicenced Smith and Wesson pistol and illegal ammunition earlier this month, allegations he denied.

Neither accused was required to enter a plea.

Bail was denied and the accused were told prosecutors intend to fast-track the case to the Supreme Court on April 22 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Gibson asked the magistrate if he could speak before being remanded. He told the court that he was beaten while in custody.

Rolle also claimed to have been beaten by police.

Rolle’s attorney, Alex Morley told the court he was informed the incident happened at the Paradise Island Police Station. He said Rolle told him two officers put him in a room and hit him in his head several times.

Morely asked the magistrate to allow him to see a doctor at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The magistrate took note of their complaints.