No bail for accused, despite pleas

If someone you consider a friend goes to the police and tells a blatant lie on you, then you need to reconsider that friendship.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes gave that advice to Ramon Jamar Goodridge when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court recently.

Goodridge, a 34-year-old labourer of Buttals, St George, had denied robbing Adrianna Simmons of a cell phone valued $400 on August 13, 2021.

Prosecutor Sergeant Verdon Forde objected to the accused being granted bail based on the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the evidence and the manner in which Goodridge allegedly went after the virtual complainant, who is the mother of his child.

The prosecutor also believed the accused would ‘interfere’ with the virtual complainant if granted bail. He said both the virtual complainant and society needed to be protected in these circumstances.

However, Marlon Gordon, who appeared on Goodridge’s behalf, asked the court to grant his client bail.

He admitted that the accused and the virtual complainant had a “checkered past” and animosity had grown between them.

But Gordon said Goodridge had a fixed place of abode, was gainfully employed by the Ministry of Transport and Works and had a four-year-old son.

He pointed out that his client also had someone willing to stand as a surety.

Gordon said Goodridge was also willing to adhere to whatever conditions were imposed by the court to keep both parties away from each other.

The attorney also argued that even though Goodridge had previous convictions none was of this nature.

Before remanding the accused to HMP Dodds until September 16, the Chief Magistrate told him that he needed to take stock of his life.

“This is a serious matter but I can’t go on the strength of the evidence because I have not heard or seen any.

“But the bigger picture is for him to grasp on his own. If you are with someone who is willing to go to the police and tell a lie on you, who are you with? Who are you making a child with?” the Chief Magistrate asked him.