Lovestruck man accused of larceny

A Corporate Area man who admitted that he was seeking a relationship with a woman is now facing allegations that he entered her house without her permission and stole a gold chain valued at $35,000.

It was also shared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that the accused, Lennard Duffus, was caught on one occasion sleeping in the woman's house. Duffus pleaded not guilty to larceny from the dwelling. The allegations shocked Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque who tried to understand what was the relationship between Duffus and the complainant, that led to him sleeping in her home.

"Your Honour, I was looking her and she told me that in order for it to work, I have to play the role of a stepfather and help in the house because she has bills. She asked me to help fix a cabinet for her daughter and I fell asleep in her house. I was sleeping in her daughter's room and she and her daughter was in her room Your Honour," Duffus explained.

"This is such a bizarre story," the judge said, expressing concern for the woman's safety. Voice notes were played in court that verify that Duffus was seeking to have a relationship with the complainant.

"I am a little concerned about interference. I see a man who is trying although someone else's foot is there. I have read the messages and what I get is someone who is kind of obsessed. You need to find somewhere far away from her," Cole-Montaque instructed.

Duffus, a security guard, shared that he could reside with relatives in the Kingston 20 area and that he would be willing to compensate for the stolen chain.

"I don't know anything about the chain but I will pay back for it," he said.

The matter was adjourned until November 30, when full restitution of $40,000 is to be made. The judge made it a condition of his bail that Duffus does not return to the complainant's home and is not to contact or interfere with her.

- T.T.