Jockey granted bail on serious injury charge

A 27-year-old jockey has been granted bail after denying a charge of inflicting serious bodily harm, despite objections from the prosecution.

Shane Junior Collymore of 2nd Avenue Park Road, St Michael, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to unlawfully and maliciously inflicting serious bodily harm on Sasha Smith.

Objecting to bail, prosecutor Sergeant Reginald Blackman said that the accused was already on bail in another case, and his return before the court showed a lack of respect for the judicial system. He added that, if released, the accused may influence or intimidate witnesses and may not attend court.

In his bail application, Collymore said he had been on bail for three years regarding the other charge and had never missed a court date.

“I am not a flight risk, and I do not think that I should be denied bail because somebody [is] lying on me,” he said.

Releasing him on bail with a surety, Frederick ordered Collymore to report to the District ‘A’ Police Station once a week and adjourned the case until August 27.

(JB)