The trial of the policeman and two civilians charged with the series of robberies of returning residents had to be put off yesterday because one of the defence lawyers is ill.

Justice Courtney Daye has ordered the three accused to return to the Gun Court on August 30 when a date will be set for the continuation of their trial.

Charged jointly

They are 37-year-old constable Horace Roberts, 30-year-old carpenter Robert Hurd, and 30-year-old labourer Richard Ewart, charged jointly with 30 counts of robbery with aggravation.

The men have been in custody since they were arrested and charged in October 2005. The offences were allegedly committed between May 2004 and October 2005.

The case was put off because attorney-at-law Peter Champagnie, who is representing Roberts and Hurd, is ill. Attorney-at-law Lloyd McFarlane is representing Ewart.

Acting Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Lisa Palmer is representing the Crown.

Arising from the robberies, a 26-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods.