A 23-year-old man faces the prospect of Christmas in custody following a violent altercation at the Swing Bridge that left a female cashier hospitalized. Robert Derrick Stewart appeared before Magistrate Mannon Dennison on Monday, entering a plea of not guilty to charges of wounding and attempted robbery.
The incident unfolded on Friday, December 19th, when Stewart allegedly targeted 43-year-old Anora Flowers as she was en route to deposit funds for Simon Quan Ltd. According to police reports, the assailant attempted to seize Flowers’ money bag near the historic Swing Bridge, initiating a physical struggle when she resisted.
During the confrontation, Flowers sustained multiple injuries after being shoved against the bridge structure, suffering significant elbow trauma. The assailant reportedly delivered several punches before abandoning the attempt and fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement officials from the GI3 unit apprehended Stewart minutes later in Petticoat Coat Alley, where they recovered a fisherman-style mask matching the description provided by the victim. The swift police response led to his immediate detention.
Despite the prosecution raising no formal objection to bail, Magistrate Dennison exercised judicial discretion to deny release, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and their timing during the holiday season. The magistrate delivered pointed remarks to the defendant: “This is the Christmas season. You attempted to take instead of giving.”
Stewart’s response, captured in court records, indicated his recognition of the unfortunate timing: “Round this time dah wah bad time to go to jail.”
The defendant must now pursue bail through the High Court system, with his next scheduled appearance set for February 3rd, 2026, extending his remand period well beyond the holiday season.