A youth who attacked and attempted to rob an elderly man with a cutlass has admitted to committing the offence and will be sentenced next week.
Roshane Adams was charged with aggravated assault with intent to rob Steve Lovence, an offence he reportedly committed with another man on September 19 2022 at New Street.
Adams, while pleading guilty to the indictment in the High Court before Justice Tunde Bakre, told the court that he did not intend to rob anyone.
However, when pressed by the court as to whether he was guilty or not guilty, he gave an unequivocal guilty plea.
Adams sought to explain that he was cleaning some bushes when the incident occurred.
But because the facts of the case have not yet been presented to the court, he will have to wait until July 17, the date set for his sentencing, to give his explanation.
The prosecution has requested that a social inquiry report be made for Adams, which will give the court a clearer understanding about his background and circumstances so that a fair sentence can be imposed.
Adams, while armed with a cutlass, allegedly tried to rob 81-year-old Lovence.
The incident is said to have occurred at Lovence’s tailor shop on New Street during the afternoon hours.
Reportedly the victim was at his business when Adams and another man, who has not been caught, entered the building and asked about the cost of altering a pair of pants.
Lovence is alleged to have told them that he would need to see the pants first and the unknown assailant then went into his backpack and took out an unidentifiable object and shouted to the elderly man “don’t move”.
Allegedly Adams then lifted his T-shirt and removed a cutlass from his pants waist.
It is alleged that he then approached Lovence and pushed his hand into his pockets while demanding money.
Lovence reportedly told Adams that he had no money but he was allegedly struck in his torso with the cutlass as a result.
The accused is said to have asked for cash again but fled the scene when the victim again informed him and his accomplice that he did not have any money.
Adams was subsequently taken into custody and arrested and charged for the offence.
