Judge Orders Mistrial Into Botched Robbery

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Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Matthew Hazel

(PLTM) - Second day into the trial of the attempted robbery at CIBC First Caribbean Bank, Justice Nicola Byer discharged the nine member jury and ordered a mistrial. Matthew Hazel was on trial for the February 16, 2015 incident which also involved a shootout with a police officer.

Today, November 9, 2016 when court reconvened, Justice Byer informed the jurors that they are discharged.

Two witnesses had already taken the stand and the trial was expected to last some ten days.

Hazel, 24, a native of St. Vincent, who is a Belonger, is charge with attempted robbery involving $28,342.08 from OneMart Supermarket, which was about to be deposited at the bank; attempted murder of an off-duty police sergeant Carty; possession of a firearm with intent to commit a robbery; and possession of explosives, namely four rounds.

A new trial is now set for January 16, 2017.

Attorney-at-Law Valerie Stephens-Gordon appeared for Hazel.

The young man, who was granted bail back in July, was remanded to prison since he failed to take up the bail offer. He was offered $200,000 bail with $40,000 of that amount being cash. He was told he can provide one or two sureties.

Further, the accused was ordered to report to the police station Monday to Friday, and placed on curfew from 6:30 pm to 6:00 am. Hazel was also ordered to reside by his mother in Paraquita Bay until the conclusion of his trial, and is also subject to random checks by police officers.

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