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February 05, 2009
Constable accused of stealing
23 year old constable Wayne Catton has been charged for simple larceny, adding him to the more than 30 police personel from St. James facing the courts for several offences since 2008.
Catton, it is alleged, stole US$600.00 that was left for an inmate at the Freeport police station lock up last year. He was arrested on Monday and faced the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his attorney argues that the three year veteran received only clothing not money. Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry, however, ordered that he be remanded until February 19 when the case will be tried. She cited inconsistencies in his story as the reason for his being denied bail.
The prosecution alleges that on January 24, 2008 the complainant went to visit the inmate and was told that it was not his day for visits so she left the money and articles of clothing with the accused and was assured that the inmate would receive them.
Later that day the inmate called to say that he had not received any of the items.
The complainant returned three days later and complained to the inspector which led to an investigation being launched.
The constable admitted that he gave the items to the inmate then later changed his statement and said that he left them at a window and they were stolen. He insists that the items were only clothing not money.
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