Four men accused of robbing the Van Buren Gas station in Flatts appeared in Plea Court, to the surprise of Crown counsel Oonagah Goodred.

Jamel Terricho Hassell, 20 of no fixed abode, Shannon Paul Fough, 28, of Happy Dale Road in Devonshire, Colsey Onsworth Gift, 43 of Parson's Road, and Shawn Albert Smith, 24 of St. Augustus Lane, Pembroke are charged with conspiring to rob the gas station.

Smith, Hassell and Gift are accused of robbing the gas station of $3,112 and with wounding Mr. Pedro with intent to do grevious bodily harm. Hassell is charged with unlawfully possessing a knife in a public place, and Gift is accused of stealing a drink worth $1.

It had been two weeks since the four men last appeared in Magistrates' Court, and only two of the men were represented.

Fough is represented by Liz Christopher and Hassell is represented by Peter Farge. Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King advised the men that they were charged with a serious matter and they should seek legal representation whether "out of your own pocket or through legal aid.'' When the men's names were read by Mr. King, Ms Goodred said: "I had no indication that they were coming to court this morning.'' She asked that papers be served and the matter was adjourned until May 14. All four men were remanded in custody.