ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

14-y-o on attempted rape charge

A fourteen- year-old boy has been slapped with attempted rape charges following an incident along Crawford Street, Mount Salem, St James, on January 2.

Reports from the Montego Bay police are that about 11:40 p.m., the boy gained entry into the victim's home where he attempted to rape her. A struggle ensued and he used a knife to inflict several stab wounds to her upper body and head. After she made an alarm, he ran from the home.

The following day, a citizen arrested the boy and escorted him to the police station. He was subsequently charged with attempted rape, burglary and wounding with intent.

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Cop arrested for murder

A policeman has been charged with murder and several breaches of the Firearms Act in relation to two incidents in his community on December 27.

He is 32-year-old Constable Jimoke Ingram, of Petunia Crescent in Longville Park, Clarendon.

Ingram has been charged jointly with 33-year-old Sheldon Harris, a car wash operator of Poinciana Way, also in Longville Park. They were charged jointly with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and use of a weapon to commit a felony.

The charges stem from the shooting death of 59-year-old farmer Donnett Lowe, also of a Longville Park address. The police allege that two men, one armed with a gun, visited Lowe at his home and engaged him in a brief conversation. Shortly after, loud explosions were heard, and the police were alerted. On their arrival, Lowe was seen lying in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was assisted to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The swift action of lawmen led to the arrest of the duo, and they were subsequently pointed out during an identification parade later the same day.

Investigators, in pursuit of evidence relative to the murder of Lowe, led them to Constable Ingram's home, where an operation was conducted. The search resulted in the recovery of a pistol and several rounds of assorted ammunition,among other things, in a barrel in their bedroom.

Ingram and Shanika Simpson, who also resides at the address, were then slapped various charges under the Firearms Act.

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Rights group oppose 20-year minimum sentence for children

Human rights group Stand Up For Jamaica (SUFJ) has renewed its call for legislators to carefully reconsider the implications of imposing a mandatory 20-year sentence for children convicted of capital murder.

SUFJ said that while there is the the need for justice and accountability, the current proposal fails to address the complexities surrounding juvenile offenders.

"The proposed legislation, if enacted, would require a 20-year sentence for children found guilty of committing capital murder, without considering individual circumstances, rehabilitation prospects, or the potential for juvenile offenders to reintegrate into society as responsible and contributing citizens," said Carla Gullotta, executive director of SUFJ.

"While we share the commitment to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for their actions, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider the unique circumstances and developmental factors associated with juvenile offenders. Research consistently shows that adolescents have the capacity for change and rehabilitation," she said.

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inDrive introduces mandatory profile pictures for users

Users of inDrive are now required to upload a photograph of themselves in order to be able to use the app. The requirement is part of the ride-hailing service's thrust to ensure greater safety for its drivers.

"This requirement ensures that every user on the inDrive platform has a clear and identifiable image associated with their account. This simple, yet powerful, feature not only fosters transparency but also enhances trust among users, allowing drivers to easily verify the identity of their passengers before the trip begins," inDrive said in a press statement.

The ride service said it now employs artificial intelligence to validate the identity of passengers before the ride, providing drivers with an additional level of assurance.

"The advanced face recognition system enhances safety by confirming that the individual who booked the ride matches the profile picture on the app. This feature not only ensures a more secure and accountable experience for drivers but also cultivates a sense of confidence in those considering becoming part of the inDrive driver community," the taxi service said.