…accused commits more offences while on bail
RICHARD Craighan, 30, of 66 Broad Street, Charlestown, was yesterday remanded to prison by Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton on a simple larceny charge.
The indictable charge, to which Craighan was not required to plead, stated that on July 13, he stole four gold rings, valued $500,000, and one hand bag, priced at $23,000, property of Chakira Stewart. Police Corporal Venetta Pindar, prosecuting, objected to bail and informed the court that the accused has several other matters before another court.
Pindar said while the accused was on bail, he had committed offences, and it is the view of the prosecution that the accused is likely to commit more offences if bail is granted.
The accused who represented himself, made an application for bail and noted that he was charged  on the basis of hearsay. He said the police did not conduct a proper investigation into the matter, and no confrontation was held between himself and the virtual complainant.
However, the magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution, and denied the accused his pre-trial liberty.
The magistrate noted that the accused was granted bail on previous charges and he continued to commit other offences.
“What bothers me about you is that everytime you are released on bail, you keep coming back to the court. I think you need a wake-up call”, the magistrate said before she remanded him.
Craighan will make another court appearance on October 18.