Snag hit car larceny case

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:A St James businessman, who is accused of stealing parts from a motor car he was given to make repairs to, appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday but had his case deferred to April.

François Lawrence, who is of a Church Hill Avenue address in Montego Bay, is charged with simple larceny committed against Howard Riley in August 2010. Lawrence, who was given bail on a previous court appearance, had his bail extended.

Reports are that Riley gave his motor car to Lawrence to effect repairs on it. However, on examining the vehicle later, Riley discovered that the car's battery, radiator, and several other parts, valued at approximately $70,000, had been removed.

Riley reported the matter to the police, and following investigations, Lawrence was arrested and charged.

On Monday, the court was told that Lawrence had another matter in the St James Circuit Court, and as a consequence, was not able to make his scheduled appearance in the RM Court.

"Based on the circumstances, I'll have to set a mention date as I don't know what is happening in the matter," Resident Magistrate Wong-Small advised Lawrence. "Are you represented by counsel in this matter?"

"No, your honour," Lawrence replied.

"Is the complainant represented by a lawyer?" asked Wong-Small.

"Yes, I am being represented by attorney-at-law Albert Morgan," replied Riley.

"The matter is set for mention on April 2. Your bail is extended.

"On that date we can set a trial date," Wong-Small told Lawrence.