Alleged crop thief remanded to Dodds

Accused Kirk Orlando Small has been remanded to Dodds on charges of loitering and stealing $5 375 worth of crops until September 18 when he will make an appearance before the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court.

The 47-year-old Blades Hill, St Philip resident is alleged to have stolen 15 holes of cassava worth $1 500 belonging to Chapel Plantation, St Philip, between May 1 and 2, 2023, as well as 115 holes of sweet potatoes worth $2 875 belonging to Kevin Gooding on June 26, 2023, and 15 rods of potatoes worth $1 000 belonging to Sunbury Plantation on September 3, 2023.

It is further alleged that being a reputed thief, Small loitered along Sunbury Plantation, a private place, with the intent to commit theft on June 15, 2023.

No plea was taken by Magistrate Alison Burke when the praedial larceny accused made his first appearance before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday, as the
offences are alleged to have been committed in the District ‘C’ jurisdiction.  

Police Constable Ralph Rollock objected to bail on the grounds that Small was already on bail. He pointed out that there were fears that if the accused was given bail at this time, he would re-offend, given that he has 32 previous convictions, the majority for similar offences.

Officer Rollock also told the magistrate that there was a warrant of arrest out for the accused, who had pleaded with the court to enrol him at Verdun House but absconded from the programme.