Alleged UTech student on gun rap
A man in his early 20s, who is said to be a student of the University of Technology, is to face trial on gun and robbery charges at the Kingston Gun Court on December 18.
Michael Holness, an August Town, St Andrew resident, is to face charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition; six counts of shooting with intent; wounding with intent; and two counts of robbery with aggravation.
Allegations against Holness are that on August 3, he and three other men held up a coaster bus downtown, robbed the driver and then stole the bus. While driving the bus to August Town, the men were intercepted near the National Stadium by six policemen and a gun battle ensued.
During the shooting, one of the officers was shot, while two of the robbers were killed, another escaped, and Holness held.
Holness, who is currently on bail, beat a gun rap three years ago in the Gun Court and was acquitted last year August of robbery charges, stemming from an incident in which he was alleged to have robbed a bearer of over $500,000.
Eleven witnesses are scheduled to testify in the trial.