Accused asks to change plea to ‘not guilty’

Over a month ago Keith Fitzgerald Anderson Batson pleaded guilty to two counts of sacrilege before High Court Judge Randall Worrell.

But when the sentencing phase of his case resumed today the known offender, of no fixed place of abode, who is in his late 40s told the Justice Worrell, “I was under the influence of
. . . medication I wish to withdraw my plea sir, with all due respect.”

He told the court that his mother “came down from the United States” four days ago and had already retained and paid a lawyer to represent him. “But anyway I am changing my plea from guilty,” he further stated. Attorney-at-law Angella Mitchell-Gittens had been representing him as a friend of the court.

Justice Worrell will call his case again on August 5 when Baston will be given the opportunity to vacate his plea in the presence of his new attorney.

Crown Counsel Joyann Catwell outlined the facts of the two cases in the No. 2 Supreme Court back in May.

Baston is alleged to have stolen an $80 fan from the James Street Methodist Church on November 3, 2018 and a $450 fan from the same City church on November 7, 2018.

The accused is currently on remand at Dodds has 14 previous convictions – among them possession of cocaine, possession of apparatus, theft and criminal damage.