Fit for bail

A young attorney-at-law tried his best today to save a father from being remanded, even noting that someone could be on remand for several years before the matter is heard, but to no avail.

Harry Husbands said in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court presided over by Acting Magistrate Anika Jackson “Look at the court’s track record, things take very long and a simple matter like this could also take long.”

Husbands was representing Andre Troy Gibson, 39, of Block 6B, Ferniehurst, Black Rock, St Michael, who pleaded not guilty to a charge that between August 12 and 27, 2018, he entered the house of Donna and Michael Allman of Chadderton Road, Carrington’s Village, St Michael, and over $1600 in items. Among them were four bags valued $1,020; a set of pearls valued $300; one ham valued $80; a whole chicken, valued $16 and one laptop of unknown value belonging to Donna Allman; and one Samsung laptop valued $240 belonging to Michael Allman.

Prosecutor, PC Kenmore Philips in objecting to bail, told Acting Magistrate Anika Jackson about the seriousness of the matter. He noted that while on bail for similar matters it is alleged that Gibson committed the offence and if bail were granted, he might re-offend.

Attorney Husbands said that his client is a single father to a 15-year-old girl, whose mother had gone to Canada and had not returned.

He added that Gibson’s girlfriend had a miscarriage as a result of an incident last month in Queen’s Park, St Michael. The attorney also pointed out that his client is a national footballer representing Brittons Hill, and having attended court on previous occasions “is a perfect candidate for bail”.

The acting magistrate refused the attorney’s application and remanded Gibson to prison until February 14.