Warrant issued for suspect on work programme

Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell on Thursday issued a warrant for the arrest of a Corporate Area woman, who failed to show for court and is said to be overseas on a work programme.

The woman, identified in court documents as Shadel Rowe, was slated to make her first appearance in court to answer to a charge of unlawful wounding. However, prosecutors informed the judge that Rowe has since departed the island and is currently in the United States. It was subsequently learnt that Rowe is in that country participating in the cultural exchange programme, more commonly known as the work and travel programme.

Upon hearing the situation with Rowe, the senior judge issued a warrant for her arrest, which means she can be carted off to jail whenever she returns to the island.

"She has no respect for the court, so she took off," remarked Burrell, who was clearly not amused. "She is going to jail for missing court. When she returns, the police at the airport would meet her and escort her to court."

Rowe's next court date will be set whenever she is apprehended. Persons on the work and travel programme usually stay in the United States between six and eight months. However, those who seek extensions can stay legally for over a year.