GT man denies tourist bar robbery

Coconut Joe’s, Grand Cayman

(CNS): James Whittaker (34) from George Town has denied being one of two masked armed men who held up a well-known tourist bar and restaurant on the West Bay Road last year. Via video link from HMP Northward, Whittaker pleaded not guilty Friday to four counts of robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm in connection with an armed heist last October at Coconut Joe’s in the heart of the Seven Mile Beach tourist area.

Whittaker is alleged to be one of two men, both armed with handguns, who stole phones, jewellery, wallets and cash from four customers at the bar as well as around $600 from the till.  Following Whittaker’s not guilty pleas, he was remanded in custody until his trial, which is set for 21 September.

The case boils down to the question of identity, as the  crown claims Whittaker was one of the gunmen based on forensic evidence linking him to a pair of distinctive camouflage pants worn by the robber, which was caught on CCTV. However, Whittaker denies being at the bar that night and says he is not one of the armed men.

Although the robbery was perpetrated by two men, the police only ever arrested and charged Whittaker in connection with the case.