Missing video footage stalls case

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A St James security guard, who allegedly robbed the plaza where he was employed, will have to return to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on May 30 as the prosecution's case file is still incomplete.

Clyde Morris of Mount Salem in Montego Bay is charged with store-breaking and larceny. He is being represented by attorney-at-law Jillian Haughton, who was not at court when the matter was mentioned on Tuesday.

The allegations against Morris are that on October 8, 2012, a store owner at the plaza opened her store at 10:36 a.m. and discovered that her watch and a quantity of snacks were missing. The police were called, and subsequent examination of the plaza's close-circuit security footage showed Morris breaking into several stores.

When Morris arrived for work at 6 p.m., he was informed by the investigating officer about what had been recorded by the security camera. Under caution, Morris reportedly said, "Officer, me take the items. Even the underpants me have on now, is the baby shop me take it from. Me nuh know why me do it."

On Tuesday, clerk of the court Natalie Malcolm admitted that the video footage from the plaza had not yet been added to the prosecution's case file.

"We are not ready for trial; we are still awaiting the video footage," Malcolm told Resident Magistrate Wilson Smith.

"Is he on bail, or was he summoned?" Smith asked, concerning Morris's status.

"He is on bail," replied Malcolm.

"The matter is set for May 30. Your bail is extended," Smith told the defendant.