Teenager on curfew charge gets bail

An 18-year-old accused of breaching the national Covid-19 curfew and a single count of robbery was able to go home today following a successful bail application by his attorney-at-law Neville Reid.

The accused, Mario Hakeem Riley, of Henley, St John is charged that on April 18 he breached the Government’s directive to remain indoors. He was outside in his community around 11:30 am and did not have a reasonable excuse.

It is further alleged that on the same date he robbed Michael Hewitt of a chain and $300 cash, a total value of $410.

The teenager pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court today.

Sergeant Theodore McClean objected to his bail on the grounds that a firearm was allegedly used in the matter. According to the prosecutor police were searching for a second person and there were fears that the accused could impede the investigations if released. “Although the amount maybe small this is a very serious matter. What makes it even worse is that it occurred when the accused should be indoors.”

The prosecutor admitted that Riley was not known to the court. “But he started from a person not known to a pretty serious offence and committed it when he should have been indoors protecting himself and others in society.”

In response, the defence attorney argued that his client was a fit candidate for bail and that based on his instructions “there is no way I could see the prosecution’s case standing”.

He added that in the objections he was hoping to hear about the strength of the evidence against his client but that was not raised.

“With the curfew there are exemptions within the period which is alleged that my client was on the street. Unfortunately we can’t give you any reason why he was on the streets at this time as that is for trial. But he is before you on a mere allegation,” Reid submitted.

He further argued that the prosecution raised the issue that police were searching for second person and claimed that that other person had been taken into custody and released

“That should cast some doubt on the strength of the evidence,” he added.

The attorney also revealed that his client had turned himself over to police accompanied by his father and had been in custody for the past four days. He told the court, that during the investigation his client gave his full cooperation and “no firearm was found”.

“The accused did not hide from the police. He surrendered himself. . . . His father and grandmother have full control over this young man, he is not a wayward person,” Reid added.

After considering the arguments of the defence and the prosecution Chief Magistrate Weekes ruled in favour of the accused and granted bail.

However, he placed him on a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew saying it was for the long-term.

The judicial officer then granted the accused bail in the sum of $3,000 which he secured with one surety.

Riley will next appear in the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court on August 12