Lawyer brings wanted man home

The man who was wanted by police in connection with the shooting of a police officer and the robbery of a woman last week Thursday returned from Grenada yesterday, accompanied by his lawyer, Grant Connell.{{more}}

Shortly after 11a.m., Dwaine Sandy was the last passenger to alight from LIAT flight 361 at the E.T. Joshua Airport, as police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) stood at the foot of the stairs, awaiting his descent.

Wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers and carrying a knapsack over his shoulders, the wanted man calmly stood on the tarmac with his lawyer, who spoke briefly with police officers before the group made their way into the terminal building.

Shortly after entering the terminal, Sandy, in the company of police officers, went back onto the aircraft, then came off again, and re-entered the terminal.

Connell, in a brief interview, told reporters he had been retained as Sandy’s counsel a few days ago, and had gone to Grenada to bring the former national goalkeeper back to St Vincent.

The lawyer said his client claims to be innocent.

Connell, who appeared in a hurry to leave the airport, told reporters that he had to “follow his client,” who had, shortly before, been placed in a police transport and driven away in the direction of Kingstown.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams was also spotted at the airport yesterday before Sandy returned.

Earlier yesterday morning, Connell had called the DPP, who was a guest on a live radio programme on Cross Country Radio, asking for the DPP’s assistance in bringing his client home.

Connell said he had been having difficulty establishing contact with the office of the Commissioner of Police.

“There’s a client of mine that is wanted… There are certain allegations made against him and I am trying to facilitate this process, but given the circumstances, I am asking if you could use your good offices to contact someone who is capable of dealing with the situation, maybe Deputy Charles or ASP James…,” Connell requested.

The DPP replied “Okay! Fair enough, man. You know that you will get our co-operation.”

On June 13, at about 11 a.m., a male snatched a deposit bag from a female employee of the Postal Corporation, who was returning from the bank. The bag is said to have contained approximately $100,000.

Police Constable 843 Julanie Jack was in the vicinity at the time and attempted to apprehend the man. Gunshots were exchanged by both men resulting in Jack being shot twice.

ASP Sydney James, head of the CID, told SEARCHLIGHT yesterday that Jack’s condition is improving and he is communicating.

In relation to Sandy, James said they are at the initial stages of their inquiry into the matter.

Before Sandy arrived in St Vincent, a photograph was posted on Facebook, of him and Connell at what appeared to be an airport.

Up to press time yesterday, Sandy was still at the Central Police Station being questioned.