Those considering signing bail for accused persons before the court are being warned against doing so for individuals they do not know.
Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes gave the advice on Monday as a man approached the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to make an application to be removed as surety.
However, the accused was not present.
The man claimed this was the second time he had arranged to have a transfer of surety with the accused as he was desirous of leaving the jurisdiction.
However, Weekes said: “I am no longer letting people walk out after committing.”
Asked his relation to the person for whom he had signed bail, the surety responded: “I knew his mother. He was in trouble so I helped, but she is now deceased.”
The Chief Magistrate made it clear that the accused would first have to attend court.
“Don’t sign for people you don’t know. That is why you are in trouble now. Ridiculous. From what you are saying you don’t even know the gentleman, just his mother. I hope you learn from this. Don’t sign for anybody that you don’t know. Don’t do it! Let him understand that your money will be lost if he doesn’t attend court,” Weekes said.
