No bail for accused teen burglar

Claims of innocence and concern for his mother were not enough to prevent an 18-year-old from being remanded to Dodds Prison on a burglary charge.

Jaheim Canute Collins, of Silver Sands, Christ Church, is accused of entering the Indigo Hotel as a trespasser between August 31 and September 1, and stealing a $2 000 table saw and three extensions valued at $1 500. The items reportedly belong to One Builders Limited.

Collins appeared before Magistrate Irene Stephney in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty.

Sergeant Kenmore Phillips objected to bail, noting that police investigations were ongoing and two other suspects were still being sought. He said there were concerns Collins might interfere with or dispose of evidence if released. Phillips added that investigators have strong evidence, including CCTV footage related to the case. The prosecutor also revealed that Collins is currently before the court in another jurisdiction on a similar charge.

In his defence, Collins insisted he had nothing to do with the burglary and pleaded for bail.

“I wasn’t aware of this here, Ma’am. I just come from the hospital with a juk,” he said, lifting his shirt and pointing to his left side. “I’s a working person. I work with One Builders, and I don’t want to stress out my mother.”

But the magistrate was not convinced.

“You are not a fit candidate for bail,” she ruled, remanding Collins until October 17.

“Cheese,” Collins muttered in frustration and sighed loudly. “Ma’am, I tell you I ain’t do it! I ain’t do it, Ma’am!”

As he was escorted from the courtroom, the visibly upset teenager repeated, “Ma’am, I didn’t do nothing.”