Trinidad: Accused squad car thief goes to court…with a story

The police vehicle which was found a few minutes after it was stolen from the scene of an accident.
The police vehicle which was found a few minutes after it was stolen from the scene of an accident.

(Trinidad Express) Jadhi Williams appeared before the court charged with stealing a police vehicle last Wednesday.

He was placed on $.1 million bail.

Williams, 29 of Claxton Bay, faced three other offences as he appeared before San Fernando senior magistrate Jo-Anne Connor with his head bandaged.

 
Following charges of stealing a Toyota Rav 4 valued $350,000 and a bullet proof vest valued $3,500 both properties of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service being read to him, Williams said he did not steal anything.

He also said he was not guilty of two charges that he stole three cellular phones together valued $2,700 belonging to constables Mohammed and Vincent.

The charges were laid by Sgt Ifill of the Marabella police station.

Williams who was unrepresented, told the court that he suffered seizures since birth but alleged that the bandage to his head was from being chopped by a police officer. He also told the court, “While trying to escape, I jump in the van and I drive off with the van.”

Police prosecutor Cleyon Seedan objected to Williams being placed on bail as he said while on bail Williams allegedly committed these offences.

He also had previous charges for escaping lawful custody, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer and convictions for dangerous driving and possession of marijuana.

Connor placed him on $100,000 bail with clerk of the peace approval and a cash alternative of $20,000.

Williams is to report to the St Margarets police station once a week as a condition of the bail.

The matter was adjourned to May 6.