One of three men, who allegedly robbed a British couple on Tuesday, has been arrested and charged.

Wadabe Omawale Roberts, 20, of Bennett Street, Villa, appeared in the St. John’s Magistrates’ Court yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ivan Walters.

Roberts was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison based on the nature of the offences for which he is charged.

The Villa resident is facing one count of robbery and one of break-in and larceny. He is charged along with two other known individuals, who have not yet been detained.

The prosecution notified the court that Roberts, who was brought to court in shackles and could barely walk as a result, was being sought by the police and after being detained attempted to escape from custody.

Allegations are that Roberts along with two other people robbed British couple John and Diane Hawkins. During the daring daylight incident, which occurred about 10:45 a.m. the trio used personal violence against the tourists.

Reports are that the couple arrived in Antigua earlier that day aboard the Boudicca cruise liner. Further reports are that the couple later journeyed to the Villa area and while walking along Bay Street, they were approached by Roberts and his two accomplices, who suddenly appeared from some nearby bushes armed with a piece of stick.

The couple was then robbed of two bottles of water, two beach towels, one Canon digital camera, one sunglass and one make-up kit all to the value of £150.

Allegations are during the incident, the female visitor received a blow to her head with the stick while the man sustained an injury to his hand after he too was strck. They were taken to the Mount St. John Medical Centre (MSJMC) where they were treated and discharged.

The police responded to the scene quickly and launched a search in the immediate area and surroundings for the trio, who had reportedly fled the scene into nearby bushes.

Further allegations are that the robbers ran toward the Dredge Bay area. The police conducted a search of the beach area and a helicopter was also used to conduct air surveillance in an effort to spot the men.

Meanwhile, Roberts is alleged to have broken into a dwelling house on Bay Street, Villa and stolen a quantity of lady’s and children’s apparel.

The young man allegedly also stole a portable DVD player, one camcorder, one transformer, a quantity of jewellery, one pink Dora knapsack and ladies’ and children’s shoes among other items. The stolen items reportedly have a combined value of $8,995. This offence allegedly occurred sometime between 2 and 19 Sept., 2009.    

Committal proceedings are set for 27 April.Roberts at this stage is not represented by an attorney.