A man convicted of leading a gang attack and robbery has filed an appeal against his conviction.

Jahkiel Samuels, 24, was one of seven men who took Tareek Somner, 28, hostage in his own car then beat and robbed him last April.

He was convicted by Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo last month, who remanded him into custody pending sentencing, which was due to take place yesterday.

However, defence lawyer Elizabeth Christopher told Mr. Tokunbo she's filed an appeal against the conviction with the Supreme Court.

She asked Mr. Tokunbo to bail Samuels, of Pembroke, in relation to the case. He is currently on remand in custody over separate charges relating to a drugs bust at the Hamilton Princess Hotel on New Year's Eve.

Crown counsel Cindy Clark opposed the bail application, and revealed she will be seeking a sentence in the region of three years if the conviction is upheld.

Mr. Tokunbo refused to bail Samuels, saying: "This is a very grave offence, on the increase in the community, and one that attracts a maximum sentence of five years. Given all the circumstances of this case, bail pending appeal should be denied."

Samuels' co-defendant Troy Burgess, 21, pleaded guilty before the trial began and was jailed for two years.