AFTER SEVEN YEARS keeping prisoners behind bars, a prison officer is getting the chance to experience what it’s like.
In a dramatic session in the District ‘A’ Magistrates Court yesterday, prison officer Danny Michel Francisco Alleyne was remanded until Tuesday when he will reappear before Magistrate Graveney Bannister charged with unlawfully taking three mobile phone batteries into HMP Dodds, where he works.
According to the prosecution, Alleyne acted suspiciously as he sought to enter the prison last Friday. He was interviewed and searched, and the batteries were found inside the bottom of his shoes.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Watson, did not object to bail for the 31-year-old accused of Denton Road, Grazettes, St Michael. He added that investigations in the matter were completed.
That’s when the drama began.
The magistrate said the charges were serious and given that Alleyne worked in a position of trust, he asked his attorney, Talal Noumeh, why the accused should be granted bail.
Noumeh pointed out that Alleyne had a fixed place of abode where he resides with his mother, brother and other family. He had no previous convictions and the prosecution gave no reason to suggest he would abscond. He said the charges were allegations and the matter still had to be determined.
At that point, Jason Alleyne, the accused’s brother, took the oath to be his surety. But the magistrate deemed him inadequate after Jason revealed he owned no property, vehicle, or any other substantial property.
Magistrate Bannister said the bail had to reflect the seriousness of the offence and set it at $30 000.
“The Court needs documentation. I need proof; this is a serious offence,” said the magistrate.
He warned if by the end of the day it could not be met the accused would be remanded.
Noumeh left the court, apparently to confer with Alleyne’s family. At that stage the prison officer returned to sit among the other accused. He sat with his head bowed, his hands covering his face, and occasionally rubbing both hands at the side of his eyes to his temples.
The attorney returned and requested the court consider reducing the bail. He argued that Alleyne was the father of three children, aged 11, nine and six years old, and that as a prison officer was fully aware of the consequences if he did not attend court.
He said too that conditions could be placed on Alleyne, like reporting to a police station.
Noumeh also stated that it was difficult for the other person willing to be a surety to get documentation as it was a Saturday, and the accused was only charged the day before.
After consideration of Noumeh’s arguments, the magistrate remanded Alleyne until Tuesday when he will appear at the District “C” Magistrates’ Court, stating those willing to stand surety should have their documentation by then. (SP)
