Man remanded for stealing rum

A St James man who admitted to stealing two bottles of rum and two drink-mix packs while drunk was remanded when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Lloyd Campbell, of a Montego Bay address, pleaded guilty with explanation to simple larceny. He was ordered held in custody until September 9, when his police records are to be brought before the court.

The court was told that on August 24, Campbell went into a supermarket located on Barnett Street in Montego Bay and took up two bottles of JB Rum and two packs of a drink-mix. He then attempted to leave the store, but the on-duty security guard noticed bulges in his pockets and stopped him.

Campbell was searched and the stolen items were found on him, and when questioned, he reportedly said that he could call someone to pay for the items. The police were summoned, and Campbell was subsequently arrested and charged.

"That day, I was drinking rum," Campbell told presiding magistrate Wilson Smith in explaining his actions. "I feel so bad because I just got a work, and I don't know if I will lose the work."

"That is not a defence," Smith said sternly. "Have you ever committed an offence like this before?"

"This is the first time this has ever happened," Campbell answered.

Smith ordered that Campbell's police record be taken to court on September 9, even as he remanded him in custody.

- C.T.