Ex-cop held following seizure of Suzuki Grand Vitara

A former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is before the court, accused of unlawful possession of property.

The charge arose from the seizure of a Suzuki Grand Vitara that the accused, Ralph Thompson, was allegedly found driving in Washington Gardens, St Andrew.

It is alleged that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicle have been tampered with and replaced.

When he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, his attorney, Chadwik Berry, submitted that his client is a businessman who purchases and sells auto parts. Berry also stated that his client provided a receipt to the police to verify that he obtained the vehicle by lawful means, and has even been assisting with the investigations.

Berry sought to assure the court that his client will abide by whatever conditions are imposed should bail be offered and that he will not interfere with any Crown witnesses involved in the case.

Thompson, who did not enter a plea, was offered bail in the sum of $300,000 by Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque. A stop order was imposed and Thompson was ordered to surrender his travel documents.

- T.T.