TWINS RUN FROM JAIL, San Fernando. Jan. 11, 2015 - Trinidad & Tobago

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• published: 12 Jan 2016
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TWINS RUN FROM JAIL By AZARD ALI Tuesday, January 12 2016 click on pic to zoom in AS IDENTICAL twins, Russel and Roston Thomas, 27, did almost everything together. They even committed a crime together and when they were found guilty and jailed for three years, both yesterday fought with police, broke loose and ran out of the courtroom in a mad dash for freedom before the surprised magistrate, lawyers, police and members of the public. And while one half of the twins - Roston - was held moments later, the other - Russel - managed to exit the courthouse evade capture and last night was still at large even as police officers were cordoning-off areas in the southern capital as they continued the search for the missing convict. The drama unfolded inside the Fourth Court when Magistrate Margaret Alert_ found the twins of San Juan, guilty of robbery with aggravation. The twins were charged back in 2012 for robbing a man in San Fernando, of his bracelet and gold chain. Both pleaded not guilty and were out on bail while they attended court on several occasions over the ensuing years. The charge alleged that they robbed 63-year-old Patrick Whiteman, of the jewelry. Yesterday, when Magistrate Alert passed the sentence, Russell and his twin brother Roston, fought off police officers inside the courtroom_to the surprised magistrate sat on the bench and made a_dash for the door. A police officer managed to subdue Roston on the corridor of the courthouse but Russell made it to freedom, injuring a police officer in the process as he scampered down the courthouse stairs and ran in the direction of Harris Promenade. The daring daylight escape occurred at about 1.15 pm, at a time when only two of the five Magistrates’ Courts in the building were sitting in which Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington and Alert, were presiding in the First and Fourth courts, respectively. Yesterday, was the day for sentencing and twins Russell and Roston, who had been out on bail, walked into the Fourth’ Court for Magistarte Alert to give her decision on the robbery case. The twins were once represented by attorney Ainsley Lucky, but that attorney withdrew from the case for personal reasons. Alert allowed both men ample opportunity to aquired an attorney, but to no avail did they not secure any. As they stood before Alert for the sentence, the magistrate invited Russell and Roston to make representations on their own behalf by way of mitigation, as to why she should not impose a custodial sentence. Russell and Roston, pleaded with Alert not to be sent to jail. However, Alert told the men that the maximum penalty was five years for robbery with aggravation at summary trial. Alert then told both men that the sentence of the court was that they would both serve three years in jail. When the magistrate made the announcement, Police Constable Burnett walked towards Russell and Roston with a pair of handcuffs, but_ Russell pulled away his hand. The policeman grabbed_Roston’s hand, and when he again attempted to place the handcuffs around_Russell’s hands, he too jerked his_hands away and a struggle ensued. Police Constable Khan, on duty in the courtroom,_ran to PC Burnett’s assistance, but Russell_ had already headed toward_the door. Roston followed his twin brother by freeing himself from the grip of the police officers and dashing towards the door. PCs Burnett and Khan ran after them and Khan managed to subdue Roston in the corridor, while Burnett pursued Russell who headed for the stairs where Maintenance Training Security officers_ were guarding the_ main courtroom entrance._ PC Khan handcuffed Roston and assisted by other police officers, escorted him to_ the court building’s holding bay downstairs. Khan sustained an injury to his right hand and sought medical treatment at the nearby San Fernando General Hospital. Russell sprinted his way onto to Harris Promenade with PC Burnett in hot pursuit. Russell_ crossed the promenade _in the direction of_Republic Bank in the vicinity of Library Corner. The police officer lost sight of Russell when he crossed the road and disappeared on the corner of Pointe-a-Pierre Road where the Royal Castle Chicken outlet is located. Burnett also sustained tissue injury to his hand. Security was tightened for the escort of Roston to the Maximum State Prison. Police officers have been assigned to conduct regular patrols at the magistrate’s_ home and to escort her _to and from the courthouse._ An All Points Bulletin (APB) has since been issued advising police offices in all precincts to be on the lookout for the escaped convict spacer