Despite arguments from his attorney for bail, a 20-year-old St Michael man has been remanded to Dodds Prison on indictable charges of stealing a key and a motor van.
Javon Jakobi Williams, 20, of Trellis Walk, Grazettes, St Michael, appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court accused of stealing one key valued $500 on March 25 and a motor van valued at $41 000 on March 26, both belonging to Kathleen Browne.
Both charges are indictable and no pleas were entered.
Objecting to his release, Prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Leacock stated that the accused had been granted bail two weeks prior on another matter, that he lived in close proximity to the complainant and may try to interfere with or intimidate her, the strength of the evidence due to CCTV footage and that the vehicle has not yet been recovered.
Defence attorney Dave Porter, however, said that the question before the court was whether Williams will turn up to court and stressed that there are several conditions that could be put in place to ensure this.
“He can move from the community and has another relative with which he can live. The right to bail is still open to him and the objections given are not very cogent and my client is fit for bail. He is a young man, just 20 years old, and is looking to start some classes in woodwork. This is just an allegation before you and if the court is so minded, it can put some strict conditions in place,” the attorney stated, adding that Williams has no previous convictions.
Acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick said: “First of all, he is already on bail, he is not known which is to his benefit but since the car has not been recovered, there are questions surrounding this whole allegation and the possibility is that there may be interference with witnesses or with things that may be evidential in this case, and in those circumstances it is best that police investigations be allowed to continue unfettered by any semblance of interference and for those reasons and in the public interest, bail is denied at this time.”
The case was adjourned until May 5.
