‘Talentless thief’ charged with assault

A 29-year-old ex-convict who has been arraigned on assault charges was called "a disgrace to thieves" by Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Omar York, dressed dapperly in an all-white ensemble, declared his innocence of charges of malicious destruction of property, assault with intent to rob, assaulting a constable, disorderly conduct and indecent language. York was released from one of the island's maximum security prisons earlier this year.

Burrell, who greeted the defendant with "Welcome back Mr York", later told him that he has "no talent as a thief" and should find a profession. It was shared that on May 30, the complainant was standing along King Street, downtown Kingston, when York allegedly pushed her in the back in an attempt to get her anklet, valued at US$150, from her foot. A tussle ensued between York and the complainant and her water bottle was damaged. The bottle is said to be valued at US$50. Police officers on duty who saw the altercation, apprehended York the same day and took him into custody at the City Centre Police Station.

While in custody there, York was allegedly seen with a lighter and was told to hand over the prohibited item. York, who is a convicted thief, reportedly started hurling insults at the police officer saying, "Big ***** gal, a who yuh a chat to? Big ***** gal, yuh think me fraid a yuh?"

The court heard that York threw a bottle that is used to store urine at the policewoman.

"Miss, I don't do nothing. Police take me up from my aunty stall. The police dem a tell lie pon me," York told the senior judge.

It was then that Burrell, who was not convinced with York's explanation, let her opinions known.

"You need to stop. I feel so badly for you; you really have to think about becoming a cook, a taxi man, a lawyer or Indian chief. You are a disgrace to thieves," the senior judge said. Burrell added that the prosecution may need to take steps to have York's matter transferred to the Supreme Court, given his number of convictions. York has previous convictions for larceny from the person and robbery with aggravation.