A recently-released convict who maintained that he had “turned his life around” was remanded to prison on Thursday after he was found in the yard of a man who claimed he robbed him.
Reynold Charles, 25, of 83 Barrack Street, Kingston appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on two charges. The first charge stated that Charles, on September 6, at Alexander Street, a pair of slippers, valued at $20,000 and property of Edward Hamid. Charles denied this charge. The other charge stated that on the same date, he was present in Hamid’s yard without being able to reasonably or satisfactorily explain why. He admitted to the charge but offered an explanation to the court.
During his arraignment, Charles was also called as Michael Charles and Bryan Matthews before identifying himself as Reynold Charles. When asked whether he had provided alternative names to the police, Charles denied ever doing such.
When allowed to speak, Charles explained that on the date in question he had been drinking with some friends in Kitty when he decided to head home. According to Charles, he decided to walk along Alexander Street as he believed that the close proximity of the Kitty Police Station afforded him some safety. However, he went on, he was stopped by two men who tried to rob him. He took flight and, after observing that the door of the police station was closed, found himself in Hamid’s yard. All the while he was calling for help as he pounded on Hamid’s door, he claimed.
Charles said that although the police arrived following his shouts, he was painted as a thief after he was found in Hamid’s yard and charged with simple larceny and vagrancy.
“But I ain’t denying I went in the yard; it was to save my life though,” Charles said. Following his explanation, his plea was changed to not guilty.
Hamid, who was present in court, refuted Charles’ claims. According to Hamid, “nothing of the sort happened.” He said that Charles had broken into his home about three to four years ago and had stolen from him. Hamid added that the defendant had only been released from prison less than two weeks ago.
Hamid later said that Charles had spent his time in prison for another breaking and entering charge, one that was not his own. Nothing came out of his own mater, Hamid said, but Charles had admitted to crime to the police.
When questioned by Sewnarine-Beharry on the veracity of Hamid’s claims, Charles admitted that he had spent a four-year stint in the Camp Street prison for breaking and entering and larceny and had been released last Monday. However, the man emphasised that he was a changed man.
“I spent four hard years in prison but I changed my life around for my daughter,” Charles said. “I changed my life, Your Honour,” he maintained. Charles’ daughter is reportedly two years old.
Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail and Charles was remanded to prison until September 16, when the case will be called at Court Six.
