Four men freed of Portmore vehicle robbery

Four men who were held with a stolen car were freed of robbery charges on Monday in the St Catherine Parish Court because the vehicle's owner failed to participate in the case.

The prosecution offered no evidence resulting in the freeing of Richard Beckford, Nikon Angus, Tanecia Palmer and Joel Saunders, all of Corporate Area addresses.

Their lawyers argued that given the absence of the complainant it would be a miscarriage of justice to continue with the case.

It further submitted that the complainant has never attended court.

The accused were represented by attorneys-at-law Shadae Bailey, Davian Vassell, Kimberli Whitticker and Ayisha Robb-Cunningham.

Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle upheld the submission and freed the men.

Allegations before the court were that about 6:05 a.m. on October 12,2022, the complainant was robbed of her Honda Fit motor car in Braeton, Portmore, St Catherine.

A report was made to the Portmore police and an investigation was launched.

The vehicle intercepted in the Three Miles area in the Corporate Area and the four were held.

They were arrested on suspicion of robbery and subsequently charged following a question and answer.

The case was mentioned on numerous occasions during which the witness was absent.

- Rasbert Turner

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