Tobago man jailed for robberies in Central Trinidad

Aug 22, 2023

A Tobago man has been arrested and charged for a series of robberies in Central Trinidad.

Police said extensive work done by officers of the Freeport and Couva CID, resulted in the arrest of Colin Balfour.

Balfour, 38, of Bethany Tobago, was charged for robbery with violence in relation to an incident on July 12, at Butler Village Waterloo Road, Carapichiama.

In that incident, a 71-year-old pensioner was assaulted and robbed by four men in a silver wagon.

One of the men, armed with a gun, robbed the pensioner of $1,800 in cash, plus $13,800 in jewelry and electronics.

The men escaped, but enquires conducted by Sgt Alexander, Cpl Bajan, PC’s Motiram and Douglas, along with WPC Joseph of the Freeport CID resulted in the arrest.

In a second incident, Balfour was also charged for robbery with aggravation and possession of an imitation firearm which was recovered upon his arrest.

In that incident on July 16, he entered Williams Pharmacy at Nanan Street, Presyal, and purchased a bottle of water.

He then used the bottle to keep the door ajar as he announced a robbery and stole the day's sale, $200, from the lone female proprietor of $200. He then escaped on foot.

Enquiries conducted by Sgt Howard, Cpl Baboolal, Pc's Flemming, Chapman and Hassanali of Couva CID also led to the arrest and charges laid against Balfour. Charges were laid by PC Douglas and PC Hassanali.

Balfour appeared before Magistrate Alexander Prince in the Couva Magistrate’s Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to the charges of robbery with aggravation and possession of imitation firearm.

He was sentenced to five years hard labour for each offence. The sentences are to run concurrently.

The robbery with violence matters has been adjourned to August 18 for a maximum sentence indication.