Man on praedial larceny charge remanded

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James taxi operator who was arrested after he was found transporting a number of goats in a car was remanded on Tuesday after it was revealed that he had two previous arrests for a similar offence.

Gregory Roberts, who is of a Retirement address in the parish, and who has been in police custody since September 30 on a charge of praedial larceny, was remanded even as his case was adjourned sine die.

Attorney-at-law Lavern Walters, who represented Roberts, acknowledged that her client had at least one similar case before the courts.

"I know my client was on bail for a similar offence when this happened … . I am just acting on what my client has indicated. I was supposed to be served a statement in relation to this case," Walters told Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie.

"In relation to your client, there are two other matters before the court," said Tie.

"One matter is in Cambridge, and one is before the Adelphi court," clerk Sheryl Robinson interjected.

"He had got bail in the Adelphi matter, and your sister judge had taken back his bail in the Cambridge matter."

Robinson also told the court that the two officers involved in Roberts's current case were unavoidably absent from court.

"Both officers are unavailable, and they were the ones who found the goats in possession of the accused. I would have this matter adjourned sine die, but counsel (Walters) will be served with what we have," said Robinson.

"Mr Roberts, you are going to remain with us," Tie told the defendant as she ordered that he be taken back into custody.