A taxi driver was yesterday charged with beating and robbing a passenger of a quantity of jewellery, among other items.
Mark Hopkinson, 28, of 2878 North Ruimveldt pleaded not guilty to the charge of robbery with violence and acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson granted him bail in the sum of $75, 000.
He denied that on September 21, he robbed Shammin Rahaman of a silver ring, a gold and diamond ring and a quantity of cash, totalling $165,000 in value and that he had used personal violence in doing so.
Hopkinson stated that on the day in question he was operating a friend’s car as a taxi when Rahaman approached him and requested to be taken to a nightclub on Sheriff Street. He stated that on the way Rahaman stopped him to buy several alcoholic beverages at two shops before continuing the journey. He said that Rahaman even bought drinks for him.
He explained that when he finally reached the nightclub on Sheriff Street and told Rahaman that the cost for the taxi ride was $2,000, he became abusive and only gave him $1,000. He said that an argument ensued and they ended up in a fight.
He also stated that after they were parted Rahaman eventually gave him the other $1,000 and went his way. He noted that he never robbed Rahaman of anything.
However, Rahaman who was also present in court, stated that he had hired Hopkinson to take him to a nightclub “with a lot of girls so that I could cool out.” He said that on his way to find a nightclub he gave Hopkinson about $600 and stopped twice to get a few beers for himself and a few drinks for Hopkinson.
He said that when he reached a nightclub on Sheriff Street he came out of the car and asked Hopkinson what was the fare for the ride. He said that he only viewed his displeasure to Hopkinson when he requested $2,000 although he had already given him about $600 plus a few drinks.
He said that Hopkinson then disembarked the car to speak to another man. He said that later Hopkinson and the man grabbed him and started to beat him. He noted that he did not see which one of them had robbed him of the items since he had his hands blocking his face from the blows. The prosecution then informed the court that Hopkinson currently has a matter pending against him.
The magistrate subsequently ordered that the case be transferred to Court Six for October 1.
