Psychiatric evaluation for accused thief


A man who is accused of assaulting another for his car keys and proceeded to drive away the car was remanded into custody and sent for psychiatric evaluation when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.


Pleading not guilty to simple robbery is Craig Bloomfield of a Kingston address.


According to reports, on December 7, around 7:40 p.m., the complainant was standing, talking to a friend along Red Hills Road, when they were approached by the accused, who demanded the keys to the complainant's car that was parked a short distance away.


The complainant refused and the accused reportedly held on to him and a struggle developed between the two.


subsequently arrested


The accused then robbed the complainant of his car keys, then proceeded to drive away with the motor vehicle and crashed a short distance away. The police, who were close by, accosted the accused and he was subsequently arrested and charged.


When Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey asked Bloomfield why he took the complainant's car, he stated, "I was fearful, Your Honour, but I am not guilty."


RM Pusey told the accused, "fear or coercion is not a defence for car stealing," to which he responded, "I don't know what I should say without a lawyer present."


Bloomfield also stated that his mother who is overseas was to send an attorney to represent him, but the family friend with whom he resides revealed that he has not been the same mentally since his return to Jamaica about two years ago.


He was sent for psychiatric evaluation and is to return to court for mention on January 16.



No comments:

Post a Comment