Mum withdraws as surety for ‘own way’ accused

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes has issued a reminder to sureties posting bail on behalf of accused that it is a serious undertaking.

He was speaking in the matter of accused David Dacosta Jackman, of 3rd Avenue Parris Gap, Westbury Road, St Michael who had missed court for several months in connection with his case.

The accused explained that he had missed the date from February last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He said that he had a co-accused in his case who had informed him that there was no court.

He said though he didn’t appear in court, “only get a summons this year”.

His surety who was also present then told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that she wanted to withdraw as a $5 000 surety for the accused.

“I have to withdraw the bail. I am not doing it anymore for him because he too disgusting and own way,” the accused’s elderly mother told the Chief Magistrate.

Attorney-at-law Michael Carrington who represented the surety also informed the court that relations between the two had been “strained” and urged the court not to penalize his client for the accused’s non-appearance.

“Mothers and grandmothers are signing to get their children out but do not know what was the last court date, so we are in trouble. This man was absent for months,” the judicial offices said.

But Weekes made it clear that after making an inquiry as stipulated under the law, “I don’t lose a tear if I have to take someone’s money”.

He however allowed the surety to withdraw and a new surety was accepted after being told in detail the consequences if Jackman fails to appear.