Bail forfeited after fugitive accused flees island

Last week, the father and grandmother of accused Orlando Lorenzo Harewood informed the No. 5 Supreme Court that the man had fled the island, leaving the latter—who signed on as his surety—to forfeit her bail money.

Barry Brathwaite, Harewood’s father, gave the assurance that he would pay the $5 000 amount within the seven days ordered. He returned on Thursday and informed the court that he had done so, presenting his receipt. Failure to forfeit the sum would have resulted in the surety facing three months’ imprisonment.

Harewood, of Parkinson Road, Grazettes, St Michael, is accused that on April 25, 2011, he had sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, knowing she did not consent or was reckless as to whether she consented.

The grandmother informed the court that Harewood was in London and that he had never told her of his intention to travel overseas. She said she had last seen him “years ago”.

Justice Pamela Beckles told Brathwaite that with the payment, his mother’s responsibility as surety had ended.

State Counsel Rommel Sandiford appeared for the prosecution.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Harewood.