Man on larceny charge insists he is not a thief

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Westmoreland woman who was arrested for trying to smuggle eight
pounds of ganja in several Milo packages had her bail extended when she
appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Paul Ellis of a Montego Bay address was answering to allegations that he stole a number of items from another man's cart, including three bottles of Guinness, 20 packs of toilet paper, and two lighters. He was remanded in police custody and his case was set for further mention on November 6.

It is alleged that on October 6 at approximately 5:20 p.m., the complainant was informed that his cart was being robbed. Upon investigating, he saw Ellis stealing the items and attempted to chase him.

Ellis reportedly ran off, along Barnett Street and over to the Barnett Street Police Station, while shouting that people were chasing him to kill him. A report was subsequently made at the station by the complainant, and Ellis was later arrested and charged.

In court, Ellis said he had a letter in his possession to explain what had happened.

"I have a letter explaining everything. I am no thief. Just take the letter, your honour," Ellis told presiding magistrate Carolyn Tie. "Somebody give her this, nuh," he insisted, even as court officers tried to silence him.

"Mr Ellis, I don't need to see that letter. Weren't you here recently for stealing yam? Sir, why are you back here before the court for another matter of the same nature?" Tie asked sternly.

"This is a whole different situation. I am not a thief," Ellis persisted.

Tie subsequently ordered Ellis to be remanded until November 6.