A man charged with robbery was beaten by prisoners while waiting to make his court appearance, then beaten again in full view of a magistrate in court yesterday.

Kurdell Charles, 21, refused to name the people who beat him in the holding cells.

He told Princes Town First Court Magistrate Indrani Cedeno he had been threatened with death and was afraid to talk.

His attorney Petronella Basdeo told the court she was disappointed that her client had been assaulted while in the custody of the State and despite the ’strength of 100 officers’ sworn to protect and serve.

Charles, of Indian Walk, Moruga, had spent the weekend in custody, charged with robbery with violence.

It was while sitting in the courtroom, waiting for his case to be called, that another prisoner being escorted out of court attacked him.

His attacker is charged with kidnapping, rape, and multiple robberies, the Express was told.

Charles was kicked and cuffed before police officers pulled away the prisoner in court.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence of robbery with violence and was granted $350,000 bail. Charles has no previous convictions or pending charges. His case was adjourned to October 7. Court Prosecutor Sgt Zamsheed Mohammed said the beating would be investigated and charges would be laid against the suspects.