Man remanded for stealing woman's handbag

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James man who admitted to stealing a woman's handbag with her valuables was remanded in police custody when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Thirty-year-old Kevin Clarke, of a Montego Bay address, initially pleaded not guilty to larceny committed against Shirley Ruby. However, he changed his plea to guilty a few minutes later and was placed back in police custody until November 15, when his police records are expected to be submitted for consideration of his sentence.

The court was told that on October 21, Clarke robbed Ruby of her handbag, which contained US$306 (J$32,007.77), Canadian $500 (US$485.29, or J$50,761.61), and a digital camera.

"Were the items recovered?" Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie asked Clerk of the Court Natalie Malcolm, concerning the allegations.

"Yes, your honour," said Malcolm.

Attorney-at-law Dalton Reid, while not officially representing Clarke, said the defendant had one previous conviction for a related charge.

"(Clarke) has one prior for receiving stolen property," Reid informed Tie.

"Then, I would require a social enquiry report," said Tie. "I need some information on you. I will need your police records, and a probation officer will speak to you. You will be brought back here on November 15," the magistrate said to Clarke.