Howard Watterton walked out of the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after being freed of a charge of stealing $2.9M in articles, including 500 pennyweights of gold, belonging to Stephen Moore.
It was alleged that on July 30-31, 2007 at Amelia’s Ward, Watterton stole from Moore, a quantity of electrical equipment valued at $1.06M, 500 pennyweights of gold valued $1.8M, one Singer machine valued $35,000 and one Toyota Camry car alternator valued $22,000, totalling in excess of $2.9M.
Magistrate Ann McLennon dismissed the charge against Watterton after considering the evidence led by the witnesses and the no-case submission made on behalf of the defendant.
According to Magistrate McLennon, evidence had shown that he was left with the keys to the house but other persons also had access to the keys. Since the court was unable to clear up the doubts one way or the other, Magistrate McLennon was left with no other option but throw out the case.
She said, “A prima facie case has not been made out against the defendant, therefore the no-case (submission) is upheld and the defendant is not called upon to lead the defence. Sir, the case against you has been dismissed.”
The man, a resident of Amelia’s Ward, and his close relatives and friends were all obviously relieved as they hurried out of the courtroom and were seen raising their hands giving praises for the judgment.
On his first appearance in August of 2007 Watterton was placed on $200,000 bail and had pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was represented by attorney-at-law V.V. Puran.
