The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A JAMAICAN national was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of multiple armed robberies in New Providence over the past month.

The defendant was also charged with overstaying and attempting to escape custody while in the hospital.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Cyril Saltau, 28, on charges of attempted escape, overstaying, and three counts of armed robbery.

Prosecutors allege that on January 30, Saltau robbed a woman at Denique’s Fashion of $193 and a black Alcatel phone.

The following day, on January 31, he allegedly robbed another woman at knifepoint at Deedee’s Variety Store, stealing $450 in cash, along with beauty products and accessories.

On February 6, Saltau is accused of robbing a woman at knifepoint, taking her handbag, identification cards, and $25 in cash.

Additionally, on February 20, at around 10am, the defendant allegedly attempted to escape from PC 208 Knowles while at the hospital. He was apprehended in the critical care unit after a brief chase.

Saltau was also charged with overstaying in The Bahamas, having remained here for more than a month beyond his permitted time.

Initially, he pleaded not guilty to the escape charge, claiming he ran from the police but did not intend to escape and was not thinking clearly at the time. However, he later changed his plea to guilty for both the escape and overstaying charges.

He was informed that he was not required to enter a plea for the armed robbery charges at this stage, as they would be forwarded to the Supreme Court through a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

During the arraignment, Saltau claimed that he had been beaten in the head by officers in his home and was experiencing blood in his urine. A hospital band was still visible on his arm.

Magistrate Coleby sentenced him to six months in prison for the escape and overstaying charges. He also advised Saltau to seek medical attention while in custody and instructed him to contact the court if a doctor did not see him.

Before being taken into remand, Saltau was allowed a brief moment with his relatives.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on May 29 for the service of his VBI.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor, while a representative from the Department of Immigration was also present for the arraignment.