After taking one look at Magistrate Douglas Frederick today, 55-year-old Richard Dacosta Jordan decided to plead guilty to a criminal charge in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.
“I came here and plead guilty because I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I see your face don’t look right. You don’t look pleased. I know you, you are usually a handsome fella but it look like you stressed out already for the year,” Jordan of no fixed place of abode told Frederick, causing those in court to erupt with laughter.
The accused admitted to the charge that being a reputed thief he loitered at Capri Condominiums located in Christ Church on December 16 with intent to commit burglary.
Prosecutor Police Constable Kevin Forde said a resident encountered Jordan near the pool area and asked him his reasons for being there. He reportedly replied that he was waiting for a guest who had gone upstairs. The apartment owner also confronted him but he fled the scene by climbing over a metal fence and onto Rockley Beach.
He was confronted later that same day but again fled. However, video footage showed Jordan trying to open several doors near the pool area with no success. On his arrest he was shown pictures of his deeds taken from the footage and he admitted to the crime.
However he gave the magistrate a different account today.
“The complainant came to Worthing Police Station and I was on an identification parade. He did not pick me out he picked someone else,” Jordan said to which the magistrate then said that he could not accept the plea if that was the case.
“Then sir I did it. I did it. I did it, I don’t want to go to St Philip,” the accused said, declaring that he was “intoxicated” when he first entered the dock.
Frederick replied: “I must vacate the plea and give you a chance . . . for sober reflection.”
Jordan was remanded to Dodds and will return to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on January 30 when he tell the magistrate whether he is guilty or not guilty of the crime.
