Farmer’s dreams dashed as goat thieves strike

A beneficiary of the Rural Agricultural Development Agency's initiative geared at animal husbandry was robbed of the opportunity to expand his production, when three men allegedly stole his goat from his farm.

It is alleged that on August 3, at 9 p.m., police on patrol in the Cane River community in St Andrew received intelligence that three men aboard a Toyota Probox were in the community. The vehicle was searched in the presence of the occupants - Shamar O'Meally, Stephen Brown and Anthony Bourne - and the carcass of a goat was found in the trunk. The accused men made their first appearance before Parish Judge Simone Walker-McFarlane on Wednesday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where they were arraigned for killing of an animal with the intent to steal and larceny of cattle.

Prosecutors indicated that the scene of crime statement was outstanding and that they were not in a position to respond to a bail application. Shadae Bailey, attorney-at-law for O'Meally and Brown, indicated her clients are maintaining their innocence.

O'Meally is also before the courts, as he is charged with the 2017 murder of Burger King employee Nile Brown. O'Meally was remanded in custody along with Brown and Bourne until October 10. It is expected that a bail application will be heard then.