Accused A/C thieves to reappear in court Monday

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Two St James residents who reportedly received two stolen air-conditioning units in December 2012 will receive a date for their trial when they return to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on May 27.

Maxine Kelson and Sanjae Smith, both of Spring Mount addresses in St James, are charged with receiving property that was stolen from Claudette Cooke.

The allegations are that sometime in December 2012, Cooke went to her appliance-store warehouse in Welcome Hall and discovered that the facility had been broken into and several air conditioning units were stolen.

Subsequent investigations led to two of the stolen units being found in Kelson and Smith's possession. They were taken to the Montego Bay Police Station and interviewed. At the time, Kelson allegedly said he was given the air-conditioning units by his "cousin from town". They were both subsequently arrested.

In court last Monday, the prosecution asked Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie for a another mention date, at which time a date could be set for the case to be tried as this would allow them adequate time to complete their case-file.

"Do either of you have lawyers?" RM Tie asked Kelson and Smith.

"No, Your Honour," Kelson replied.

"I will set this matter on Monday, May 27. Come back on Monday. You will be told of the trial date then. Your bails are extended," the magistrate told the two defendants.