Suspect accused of robbery while on an electronic tag

Cayman Islands Courts, George Town

(CNS): A 34-year-old man from George Town man has denied committing a street robbery last year in the capital while he was wearing an electronic tag. James Whittaker was wearing the prison monitor when he allegedly held up a couple at knifepoint and stole two phones and the woman’s bag. The crown told the court that Whittaker had wrapped his tag in aluminum foil to avoid detection and block the GPS signal.

The case against him for the robbery on North Church Street late last year opened Monday in front of Justice Charles Quin. Crown counsel stated that Whittaker went up to Jamal Anderson and Misha Powell with a knife, demanding money from them at the Charles Building on the 22 November 2014 at about 1:00am. When Anderson explained that he had no money, Whittaker allegedly put the knife to his throat, proceeded to pat him down and search his car.

Realizing Anderson had told the truth, Whittaker allegedly then stole Powell’s purse from the car, along with the couple’s phones, and left the scene.

After the couple had been robbed, they drove to the police station and gave their statements. Whittaker was found two days after the incident and arrested by the police, despite the use of foil to cover his electronic monitor, making it harder for officers to find him.

The prosecutor said that identification of the assailant is the primary question in the trial, which is being heard by Justice Quin, sitting alone, and expected to last three days.

CNS Intern Jaida Alexander contributed to this report.