By Alric Lindsay
Mike Mitchell McLaughlin appeared in the Grand Court on June 27, 2025, to hear allegations of attempted robbery at Al-La-Kebab, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Background
As stated in court, it is alleged that on May 10, 2025, at the Al-La-Kebab restaurant, he attempted to rob Shawna Smith of cash and at the time of doing so put Shawna Smith and others in fear of being then and there subjected to force.
Regarding count 2, it is alleged that McLaughlin unlawfully possessed a firearm to commit the offence of robbery.
Regarding count 3, it is alleged that McLaughlin unlawfully possessed ammunition.
McLaughlin’s trial date is expected to be in September 2025.
Note to readers:
This article pertains to allegations and does not imply guilt. The court will make the final determination after evaluating all the evidence during the legal process.
Robbery is an offence under section 242 of the Penal Code. This states:
Robbery
242. (1) A person commits robbery if that person steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, that person uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.
(2) A person who commits robbery is liable to imprisonment for life.
Possession of an unlicensed firearm to commit an offence is covered under section 18(6) of the Firearms Act. This states:
(6) A person who has in that person’s possession a firearm, an imitation firearm, ammunition or a prohibited weapon with intent and by means of the firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition or prohibited weapon — (a) to commit an offence; (b) to endanger life or cause serious injury to property; (c) to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another person; or (d) to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, whether any injury to person or property has been caused or not, commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.
Possession of ammunition is an offence under section 15(1) and 15(5) of the Firearms Act (2025 Revision). These state as follows:
Possession of firearms, ammunition, bullet-proof vests and prohibited devices
15. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall be in possession of any firearm or ammunition except under and in accordance with the terms of a Firearm User’s (Restricted) Licence.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), a person who contravenes — (a) subsection (1) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both except that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person is liable on conviction to the penalty under paragraph (d); (b) subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both; (c) subsection (4A)(a) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both; and (d) subsection (4A)(b) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.
