A man, who appeared before the St. Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrate court on a charge of wounding with intent, added comic relief to a generally tense courtroom when he appeared before the Resident Magistrate Andrea Thomas on Thursday, May 7.
The clerk of court explained to RM Thomasthat the matter, involving the accused Nicolas Clemetson, was not ready to go to trial as there were still outstanding documentations that were not on the file.
The clerk of court also informed the court that a psychiatric evaluation of the accused had not yet been completed. In addition, the bail offer of $60,000 had not yet been met.
“Why hasn’t anyone yet made bail for you, Sir?” Enquired RM Thomasof the accused.
“Your honour, the persons I know are financially embarrassed,” he replied.
RM Thomas informed the accused, Clemetson that he has the opportunity of up to three persons bailing him and they do not need to put up the sum, but obtain recommendations from a Justice of the Peace if they cannot show evidence of possession of property equal to that of the sum of the bail.
The accused, Nicholas Clemetson, who clearly did not understand what the judge was saying, said: “Your Honour, I went to a doctor already and he passed me fit… Your Honour, I would like to apply for a National ID Bail.”
A PLEA
This comment ignited laughter throughout the court room and created a smile on RM Thomas’ face who said: “I do not know of that bail at all, Sir and you are charged on a very serious matter which is wounding with intent.”
RM Andrea Thomas then proceeded to urge the accused man to make contact with any party to make a bail application on his behalf. Sheset the mention date for September 3.
“Your Honour, can I please get an early mention date? Please, Your Honour,” begged Clemetson, in response to the RM’s ruling.
“Will you stop smoking the ganja and where will you live?” Asked RM Thomas in response to the accused man’s request.
“Yes me ago stop smoke your honour… Mi we go back Ocho Rios, Your Honour,” replied Clemetson.
RM Thomas set a new mention date for June 4. This clearly did not appease him, as he asked for another earlier date. RM Thomas informed him that it was the earliest date available and that a psychiatric evaluation still had to be done. The accused man thanked the resident magistrate and was remanded back into custody until June 4, when his case is set to be mentioned again.
