Additional Chapman lane residents face law courts regarding March 11 incident

Four more people appeared before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged in connection with an incident involving police officers which occurred at Chapman Lane, St Michael.

Three of the accused, Latoya Kimishia Carrington, 45; Tyesha Aziza Prescod, 23 and Nijeri Achacky Callender, 22, all of Murphy’s Pasture, Chapman Lane were granted $3 000 bail each with conditions while Shamar Ricardo James, of the same address, was remanded to Dodds until April 14.

The accused are represented by attorneyat-law Shadia Simpson.

James is charged that on March 11 he did incite Shakel Rouse to commit the offence of serious bodily harm.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Kim Butcher following which Sergeant Shane Chase objected to bail.

The prosecuting sergeant submitted that the accused had prior convictions, was already on bail from three other courts and that there were fears that he would reoffend.

“These matters are not to be taken lightly,” said the sergeant who also pointed to the need to protect society.

In her application for bail however Simpson pointed out that her client was charged from similar circumstances as seven other persons, one of whom has antecedents and had been granted bail.

The defence conceded that while James had antecedents none was of a similar nature, nor was there any violent offences in the matters which dated back to 2005.

“None demonstrates a propensity to commit such an offence,” said Simpson who further argued that an accused was innocent until proven guilty under law.

She stated that the charge before the court was a mere allegation at this time as a propensity to reoffend came by way of conviction “not an allegation”.

Simpson urged the court to take into consideration that there was no evidence that her client would abscond if granted bail as he has matters pending for which he presents himself to court whenever required.

The defence attorney said that the nature and seriousness of the offence was not enough on its own as an automatic bar against bail adding that James should not be held to a “higher standard” than the principal offenders also connected to the matter as he is only facing an incitement charge.
James, she said, was a fit candidate for bail, was gainfully employed and was willing to adhere to any bail conditions imposed by the court.

Magistrate Butcher ruled against the application.

Carrington meanwhile pleaded not guilty to assaulting and obstructing Sergeant Terry Pierre in the execution of his duty on March 11. As part of her bail she must report to Central Police Station every Wednesday by 9 a.m. with valid identification.
Prescod and Callender are facing similar charges.

They are accused of assaulting and obstructing Police Constable Melissa Thomas in the execution of her duties, also on March 11.
The accused women are further alleged to have damaged a chain, a pendant, a pair of earrings and a pair of contact lens belonging to Thomas without lawful authority or were reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

The two pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As part of their bail they too must report to Central Police Station but on every Tuesday before noon.

The three accused are scheduled to reappear before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on September 9.

Last week four other persons including a 15-year-old female appeared in court in connection with the same incident and were granted bail.