‘Likkle bit a money’ angers judge

A man who brought $50 and $100 notes to court as part of compensation angered Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court yesterday.

The defendant, Garfield Bailey, was expected to bring at least $40,000 as compensation as part of his sentencing having previously pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property and breach of the Rent Restriction Act. But Cole-Montaque said the monies he brought were contemptuous and chastised Bailey for only carrying $10,000.

"Those denominations are offensive. This whole heap a $50, the man tell yuh say him a run shop and a look change? That's offensive. If you had come with half the amount, I would have been very lenient with you but only $10,000 in those denominations, they are offensive... I am locking you up because your behaviour is contemptuous or rude, disrespectful to the court because you should've come with more money and yuh come with dem 'likkle bit a money' in a likkle mash-up mash-up change," the judge remarked.

It is reported that Bailey damaged a fridge and a microwave belonging to the complainant by throwing them from the second floor of a building. Bailey informed the court that he had not been able to secure a steady stream of income after he lost his job on a construction site when he was beaten by other workers. He said he managed to save money from selling peanut brittle, gizzada and coconut drops.

"You can call anybody to get some more money for you? Is there anybody here with you, Sir?" the judge asked Bailey, as she extended an hour's grace period for him to gather additional funds. But he pleaded with Cole-Montaque not to be remanded as he had no relatives to assist him.

"We have to turn Half-Way Tree into a place weh people 'fraid of again," the senior judge said. Bailey was remanded in custody until April 26.