Mechanic remanded on theft charge

He was recently granted bail but a 64-year-old returned before the law court on a new charge today and landed himself on remand at Dodds.

Farley Nigel Smith, of Lightfoot Lane, St Michael, will make his next appearance before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on March 24.

Smith, a mechanic, is accused of dishonestly obtaining a case of malt belonging to Asif Bhikhu on February 22 knowing or believing it to be stolen.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police constable Kenmore Phillips who objected to bail argued that there was a likelihood that Smith would re-offend as he was before the court last week in connection with a similar offence and was placed on a bond. The officer also pointed to the seriousness of the charge and Smith’s antecedents which he said showed a propensity to commit such crimes.

But defence counsel Martie Garnes told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that the seriousness of the charge alone was not sufficient to deny his client’s pre-trial liberty. The lawyer stated that Smith has been attending his court hearings whenever those dates are called and has been complying with his bail conditions. He said the accused was also gainfully employed and the charge before the court was a mere allegation at this stage.

After hearing the submissions, Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant ruled in favour of the prosecution and remanded Smith.