Man pleads for release from custody

A father of two made an impassioned plea to be released from custody, saying that his being in lock-ups is "terrible".

"Your Honour, I am begging you if you can reach out to the police or the complainant so that this case can done. I have two son at home, Your Honour, and I struggling without them. Your Honour, I am begging you with all my heart, Your Honour, to make this case done. I am willing to even plead guilty just fi know say I have a day going home," begged Lance English. He is before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court for two counts of simple larceny and larceny as a servant, for which he is on bail.

However, he and four men were arrested in relation to a matter of sexual nature. In that matter, which is currently before the Home Circuit Court and is set for trial for January 24, 2024, English was remanded by the presiding judge.

"Well, I can't breach the orders of the judges at the big court," Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque said.

"Your Honour, being in lock-ups is terrible. I am tired, tired Your Honour," he said, on the verge of tears professing his innocence.

"Let us be practical now. If I were to say bail extended in this matter [one before the parish court], would you be leaving the lock-ups? Practically speaking, you would not be leaving because a judge at a higher court remanded you," the senior jurist reasoned.

But even with Judge Cole-Montaque's explanation, English continued to beg for his release from custody. Reluctantly, the judge indicated that she would extend his bail. He is to return to court on February 21, 2024 when the matter is set for mention.