Civilian held with soldier ID

Additional charges are expected to be laid against a Corporate Area man who was found in possession of an identification card - which is the property of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) - during a traffic stop.

That disclosure was made by the clerk of court at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court last week, following the first appearance of the accused, Christopher Keating, otherwise called Christopher Keeton. He was charged with larceny by finding, subsequent to a traffic stop sometime last month.

It is alleged that Keating presented the identification card bearing the insignia and other security features of the country's military and indicated to police officers that he was a serving member of the JDF. When his vehicle was searched, a rank slide (which is worn on the shoulder to identify a service member's rank) and a JDF jersey were found.

He was charged and cautioned, then he said, "A find me find it."

"Seems like he was presenting to be a JDF member Your Honour, as his phone was also searched and pictures of him in the full uniform were also found," the clerk told presiding judge Tracy-Ann Robinson.

The judge was informed that further investigations into the matter are being conducted as Keating should be charged under the Defence Act, for unauthorised use and dealing in military decoration and for impersonating a JDF officer.

Keating was made the subject of a fingerprint order and was remanded in custody until November 19.