Teen accused of setting man’s house ablaze

A 17-year-old boy who was already on bail for allegedly setting a man's house on fire is before the courts again, facing a larceny charge.

The teen, who has been in custody since November 12 was the focus of serious deliberations in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. The teen's lawyer requested bail on the grounds that his end-of-term exams were starting today.

"Based on my instructions, Judge, I understand that the accused's mother sent him to the shop, bought something, [then] came back, asked for some money to buy juice, [and] went back to the gas station to purchase. Other men came in, but because everybody came in together, it is alleged that a card was being used to make purchases, so they arrested everybody," the lawyer explained.

The attorney said that she had not seen the security footage, but understood from her client that the video would not show him in possession of the card. Hearing the lawyer's plea and concerned about the teen missing his exams today, Judge Tracy-Ann Robinson recommended filing a habeas corpus application to secure his release.

However, the investigating officer revealed that the teen was already on bail for a far more "grievous" charge.

"Originally, he was charged with setting ablaze a man's yard. The new offence is larceny and unauthorised use of available devices," the officer disclosed.

The lawyer countered, saying, "I was only made aware that the only concern is him entering the establishment." Other attorneys supported her call for access to the footage. Robinson acknowledged the gravity of the situation set upon the defendant's counsel.

"You have a task... that is not looking very good for you as it relates to the grievous [charges] and where the circumstances are now," Robinson said.

Despite her concerns for the teen's education, the judge did not grant bail, leaving the teen in custody at the Metcalfe Street Secure Remand Centre as investigations continue. However, the judge queried the possibility of the school making preparations to administer the examination at the centre.

"That arrangement can be made with the school, so maybe the probation department or whoever it is that you need to talk to accommodate the exam," the judge suggested.