A labourer who was charged eight years ago with the theft of items amounting to almost $11 000, and drug offences, saw the charges being dismissed in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court last week.
Omar Lawreston Hall, 30, of 2nd Avenue Chapman Lane, St Michael, had been charged with robbing Andrea Headley of a $1 500 chain belonging to Leandra Headley on March 9, 2010. He was also accused of robbing Latoya Best of two gold chains worth $1 950, a $2 000 wedding band and a $2 000 gold pendant a month later on April 9. Two weeks later, he was charged with robbing Carol-Ann Roett of a $650 chain and 12 rings worth $4 690 on April 24.
He was not required to plead to the indictable charges, and over the eight-year period had three separate lawyers represent him.
On June 24, 2010, he was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, and intent to supply and traffic in the illegal drug. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $15 000 bail two days later.
He was placed on a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew from Monday to Thursday, ordered to stay indoors from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday, to report to Central Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and banned from all Crop Over events.
When he appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick last Wednesday, Queen’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim reminded the court that day had been marked as the date for final adjournment of the matter.
He said the prosecution was to decide whether it was going forward with the robbery cases or not, although they had been dismissed on a previous occasion.
When prosecutor Sergeant Rudy Pilgrim could not produce the file, the magistrate dismissed the case, saying 2010 to 2018 was a long time. (RA)
