Callender remanded for sheep theft

A visibly upset Shiamar Tishaka Jehamas Callender was escorted from the dock of the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday after being remanded to Dodds Prison.

The 40-year-old labourer of Deacons Farm, St Michael, appeared before Magistrate Manila Renee and pleaded guilty to stealing two sheep valued at $1 000 belonging to Stephen Grant between February 16 and 17.

While there was no objection to bail by the court prosecutor,  the magistrate raised concerns over Callender’s 28 previous convictions, the last four of which were recorded earlier this year.

Speaking on his own behalf, Callender stated, “Since I was 16, I was smoking crack cocaine. Every year, I have been before court . . . I have decided that I have had sufficient of that life. I stopped smoking in May, now I have a staunch job. This happened in February when I was prickle. I was under the influence of cocaine. I was out there doing a lot of foolishness. I am asking if I can compensate de man cause I would pay him for the two sheep. Now cause I am working I believe it would take me three weeks to pay him.”

Magistrate Renee, however, ordered that he be remanded into custody until September 15 and for the complainant to appear. 

Noting that he had been before several magistrates over the years, she stated, “You have been in and out of prison for a number of matters. I am remanding you into custody. I am not giving you bail because the last matter was 2025 and yet you are back here.”

“Ma’am, I just come out of prison six weeks ago sentenced for a bond, and I don’t have any bonds pending,” Callender argued loudly while officers handcuffed him and escorted him out of the courtroom.

“I am remanding you pending sentencing,” the magistrate stated.