Bail Denied Again as St Lucian, Co-Accused Pursues Settlement

January 15 2025

A 19-year-old St Lucian national, charged in connection with a violent armed robbery and attempted murder, has again been denied bail, even as settlement discussions with the virtual complainant were raised in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Condoleezza Henry, who shares several charges with Kristoff Nicholas, appeared virtually before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where her attorney, Felicia Douglas of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, renewed a bail application. The application was refused.

Attorney-at-law Travis Ferreira represented Nicholas.

During the proceedings, both accused indicated through their attorneys that they were seeking to settle the matters with Claudius Fraser, the 69-year-old operations manager allegedly shot during the June 20, 2025 robbery.

Fraser reportedly agreed to accept compensation.

Magistrate McGusty clarified that any settlement would only apply to the charges of attempted murder and robbery under arms.

The other charges, escape from lawful custody and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, will continue against both accused. She noted that the defence had clearly outlined the specific charges for which settlement was being sought.

The court was informed that Fraser is willing to accept $300,000 from each accused, totalling $600,000, for the two indictable offences of attempted murder and robbery under arms.

However, the magistrate directed that Fraser provide a formal statement before any payment is made. She also acknowledged that the prosecution had requested an adjournment to February 4 to make full disclosures and statements.

When Henry’s bail application was addressed, Douglas argued that her client was not a flight risk and was a registered citizen of Guyana, possessing a birth certificate and other documentation.

Magistrate McGusty, however, ruled that bail would not be granted, citing the seriousness of the offences, public safety concerns, and Nicholas’ own legal situation.

She pointed out that Nicholas, a Guyanese citizen, is facing multiple charges and is currently in prison, questioning why bail should be extended to Henry under these circumstances. Nicholas’ separate bail application was also refused.

Henry and Nicholas are accused of participating in the June 20, 2025, armed robbery during which Fraser was shot in the chest.

Fraser was discharged from the hospital, but a bullet remained lodged in his chest, and he had to undergo surgery. Both accused remain on remand as the cases continue before the court. The next court date is February 4.