Block thrown through patio door caused $1,450 damage
Two teens accused of a Boxing Day burglary had their applications for bail refused when they appeared in Summary Court on Monday.
Attorney Prathna Bodden said her client, Nicholas Aaron Anderson, vehemently denied being involved in the burglary and would enter a not guilty plea as soon as she received papers in the case.
Attorney John Furniss said his client, Giovalde Reheilio Stewart, had been drinking all that day and the day before. He did not remember events of that day but admitted it was possible he had committed the offense.
The burglary occurred around 4:45 p.m. Dec. 26 in West Bay.
Crown Counsel Kaya Ball told the court that the defendants, both 19, were seen approximately 50 meters from the burgled house when police responded to a neighbor’s call.
A witness told police he saw two men approach the back of the house and throw a block through a patio door/window and enter the premises. The house was empty when officers arrived, but they saw the defendants a short distance away. Stewart had cuts on his body that appeared to be fresh and he was carrying a bottle of whiskey. Ms Ball said Anderson was carrying a bottle of rum.
The burgled house was unoccupied at the time, with the owner off island; police were waiting for her return to determine whether anything else was missing. Blood was found at the scene and it was sent for analysis, Ms Ball indicated.
Both men are also charged with damage to property; the value of the patio glass door was $1,450.
Stewart is charged alone with theft of the bottle of whiskey from another home nearby.
Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn heard Ms Ball’s objections to bail and the defense attorneys’ reasons why bail could be granted. She noted that both young men were before the court on other matters.
Anderson, who had no convictions on record, was being closely monitored for charges that included consumption of ganja. The magistrate asked when he had last consumed and he told her “Friday.” She asked if that was while he was already in custody and he said yes.
Stewart was sentenced in February to 18 months’ probation for burglary. He was due back in court next month for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mr. Furniss suggested this charge was further evidence that Stewart needed help and would be applying to the Drug Rehabilitation Court.
The magistrate remanded both defendants in custody until Tuesday, Jan. 7, and advised them of their right to appeal her decision to the Grand Court.
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