Judge reduces bail offer for accused man

A St James judge on Wednesday reduced the bail amount for a man who has been unable to take up an offer that was previously set at $200,000.

Alwayne Brown, of a Barrett Town address, told Parish Judge Sasha-Marie Ashley that he has been unable to take up the bail offer because "I cannot get to anyone, I have no numbers for family members."

Brown is charged with receiving stolen property. When he last appeared in court on June 21, the judge set bail at $200,000. She reduced the sum to $50,000 in his own surety, on condition that he is to report to the police twice weekly.

The judge also set the matter for mention on September 15.

Allegations are that on May 3, Brown was seen in the neighbouring Spot Valley community with a water pump that had been reported as stolen from the complainant's farm. When confronted by the police, he reportedly said, "Is a man mi see a thief di pump and mi say mi can get a buyer for it". He was subsequently arrested and charged.

During Wednesday's court proceedings, the judge was told that following previous mediation sessions between Brown and the complainant, an agreement was made for the accused man to pay $100,000 for compensation. However, Brown is yet to start making payments. Judge Ashley instructed Brown to ensure the money is paid in full by his next court date.

"You have $100,000 that you must pay by September 15," the judge said.

C.T.