Jailed Kitty man admits to robbery attempts, shooting at cop

A Kitty man, already serving four years in prison on armed robbery charges, was on Tuesday sentenced to three additional 18-month sentences after admitting to additional crimes.

Jamal Cromwell of 26 Dowding Street, Kitty appeared again before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in a city courtroom and changed his plea to guilty on charges of attempted robbery and discharging a loaded firearm at a police officer.

It is alleged that he attempted to rob Joel Sooknauth and Sarah Bissoondiall while armed with a gun.

Cromwell was reportedly injured during an exchange of fire with the officer who had attempted to stop him during a robbery but had managed to escape. He was later captured while seeking medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital for his injuries.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Cromwell begged for leniency and asked Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for “something small to work in with the four years.” Cromwell also pointed out that he was a father of a one-year-old child.

Cromwell had initially appeared before the Chief Magistrate charged with seven offences, including armed robbery, attempted robbery and discharging a loaded firearm at an officer.

The man had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges when they were read to him on November 28, 2013.

On March 7, Cromwell was sentenced to four years imprisonment after being found guilty of robbing Laverne Griffith of $400,000 while using violence during the commission of the act.

Cromwell was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for each of his admitted crimes. However, the sentences will run concurrently.