Mechanic allegedly held with stolen vehicle

An auto mechanic, who was found in possession of a motor vehicle that police say was stolen, was offered bail yesterday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, after spending a month in custody.

Agyie McDonald was arrested during a sting operation in Drax Hall, St Ann, on June 12, after the complainant saw his 2013 Mazda for sale on Facebook Market. It is alleged that on May 3 at 2 p.m., the complainant parked his motor vehicle at his home in Kingston 12 but when he woke at 6 a.m. the following day, his car was missing. Soon after, he saw his vehicle being advertised for sale on social media and reported the matter to the police. McDonald was allegedly found in possession of the vehicle.

However, McDonald's attorneys are contending that he purchased the vehicle for $480,000 and had receipts to verify the purchase.

"Even the chassis number is the same on the vehicle documents," one lawyer submitted during the bail application, dismissing police claims that the original number was tampered with. But the complainant stressed that the vehicle belonged to him as it still bore his licence plate and had other personal items belonging to him.

Prosecutors, however, indicated that they were not opposed to McDonald bail being offered.

Presiding Judge Venise Blackstock-Murray accepted the submissions of the Crown and offered McDonald bail in the sum of $400,000 with at least two sureties, and ordered that he is to report to the police once a week. He is to surrender his travel documents and a stop order was imposed at the ports.

McDonald was ordered not to interfere or contact the witnesses in the matter and he is to return to court on September 5 when the matter is set for mention.

- T.T.