21-Year-Old Jason Smith Remanded After Conviction in
Twenty-one-year-old Jason Smith has been remanded in custody following his conviction on four charges relating to a violent June 2023 armed robbery outside UP's Cineplex. Supreme Court Justice Angelica Teelucksingh has scheduled his formal sentencing for September 18.
Twenty-one-year-old Jason Smith has been remanded in custody after being found guilty of multiple charges in connection with a violent armed robbery outside UP's Cineplex in Tortola. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force confirmed that court proceedings in the matter concluded on July 30, when Smith was convicted on four counts.
Supreme Court Justice Angelica Teelucksingh found Smith guilty of three counts of robbery and one count of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct. Following the verdict, Justice Teelucksingh ordered that Smith remain in custody until his formal sentencing hearing, which has been scheduled for September 18.
The conviction stems from an armed attack that took place around 11:00 PM on June 11, 2023. According to police reports and evidence presented in court, a group of four people were walking to their vehicle in the parking lot of UP's Cineplex after watching a movie when a man dressed in dark clothing approached them brandishing a firearm.
The assailant pointed the weapon directly at the group and demanded their mobile phones and jewellery. During the terrifying encounter, two of the victims were struck in the head with the weapon, suffering lacerations. The victims complied with the gunman's demands and handed over their personal belongings before the perpetrator fled the scene on foot with the stolen property.
The victims promptly reported the attack to the Road Town Police Station shortly afterwards, triggering an extensive investigation by detectives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool commended the investigative team and Crown prosecutors for their diligence in securing the conviction against Smith, emphasising that the outcome demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to holding predatory offenders accountable. "This conviction reflects the continued dedication of our officers and investigators in bringing offenders before the courts," Vanterpool stated. "Robbery is a serious offence that can have a lasting impact on victims and threatens the safety and confidence of our community." Commissioner Vanterpool also acknowledged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, highlighting that effective collaboration between police investigators and prosecutors was vital to securing justice.
The RVIPF reiterated its pledge to protect the Territory, investigate violent crimes thoroughly, and work alongside the judicial system to keep the Virgin Islands safe.
Primary source: VINO