The accomplice of now dead robbery suspect Kevin Batson was on Monday sentenced to three years in prison by Magistrate Wanda Fortune when he made a virtual appearance before her at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
Keon Harlequin, also known as “Peas”, of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, was charged with armed robbery committed on Herbert Campbell which occurred on Wednesday last. In addition, he was charged for the possession of a firearm and ammunition when he was not the holder of the relevant licence.
Harlequin, a labourer, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him and as such, he was sentenced to three years for each charge, but the sentences would run concurrently.
Harlequin was arrested by Police following the robbery which saw his accomplice, the 22-year-old Batson being fatally shot. They carried out a brazen robbery on “Sadam” hardware store.
It was reported that the now dead bandit and Harlequin went to the businessman’s store, ordered a garden rake, and opted to pay before the item was delivered.
It was then Batson reportedly whipped out a handgun and struck a salesperson to his face and head before relieving him of his valuables.
As the perpetrators were making their escape, the store owner pursued them. In an attempt to scare the businessman, Batson opened fire, but the businessman drew his licensed pistol and returned fire, hitting him.
A search was later carried out in the area, and Batson was found in some bushes. At the time, his right hand which appeared to have been bleeding was wrapped with a red bandana.
Upon searching the injured suspect, Police found the businessman’s cellphone, a sum of cash, and several other items belonging to the victim as well as a quantity of marijuana.
Harlequin managed to escape, but was subsequently arrested while hiding in a house not far from the scene.
Police, acting on intelligence, went to the house at Victory Valley, Wismar, where they were able to arrest the man.
Upon his arrest, a search was carried out on his person during which an unlicensed pistol with two live rounds of ammunition, a toque, gloves, dove spray, and several pieces of garments with suspected bloodstains were found. Harlequin gave a detailed account of what transpired during the robbery, so charges were instituted.
