Roll of the dice: Robbery accused makes restitution

A man was put on a bond to keep the peace for two years after he made restitution to the man he was accused of robbing when he appeared yesterday before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.

Winston Griffith pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleges that on June 12 at Croal Street he robbed Rudolph Fraser of $11,000 and US$200 (G$40,000), the total value being $51,000 and used personal violence on Fraser.

Griffith, 24, of 301 Lamaha Gardens told the court that he did not rob Fraser.  He said that they were engaged in a game of dice but when it was time for Fraser to pay him his winnings, he refused to do so.  He added that he grabbed the money from him and then they became involved in a fight.  He then indicated to the magistrate that he was willing to repay Fraser.

Fraser, a local boxer, told the court that he was not gambling and was waiting for his girlfriend when Griffith came up to him and accused him of having money for him.  He said that he told him that he did not owe him anything but Griffith pushed his hands into his pockets and robbed him of the money.

Fraser indicated to the court that he would be willing to accept repayment of $46,000.  Griffith was then placed on a bond and fined $6,000 for court costs.