No bail for accused in $5M airport heist

Four people, including a woman, charged in connection with the $5 million heist from an armoured security vehicle at the Piarco international airport on December 6, were denied bail yesterday when they appeared before magistrate Debby Ann Bassaw in the Arima Second Magistrates’ Court.

The armed robbery was one of the biggest in recent history. The money was supposed to have been delivered to a commercial bank in Tobago.

Kizzy Bernard, 38, who is eight months pregnant, and her 35-year-old brother Kenol Singh, both from Chaguanas, had their matters transferred to the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court and are expected to appear today to answer other charges. They were both charged with laundering, while Bernard was also charged with receiving stolen money.

Dozens of cases were delayed yesterday as there were no magistrates present. There was one magistrate in the second court. The stairs leading up to the courtroom were lined on both sides as people with cases waited to hear their names called. Those with matters before the court were told they would have to wait until 1 pm.

The magistrate gave no reason for denying bail to the accused.

Kevin Findley, 42, and Abdul Mohammed, 38, both from Diego Martin, were jointly charged with robbery with aggravation and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. They are expected to appear before a Port of Spain magistrate tomorrow, while the robbery with aggravation matter against Findley, Singh and Mohammed would be called again at the Arima court on Thursday.

Two of the men tried to hide their faces while Bernard appeared to be subdued keeping her eyes to the ground while being led to the court.

A portion of the money, $250,000, was allegedly recovered from a vehicle being driven by one of the accused.

The charges were laid by ASP (Ag) Mervyn Edwards of the Northern Division CID.