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A St Andrew man who the police accused of stealing a gold-colored chain valued at US$2 from a tourist, had his bail application denied when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
The police charged Horace Brown, 47, a resident of Golden Spring, St. Andrew, with larceny following an incident on North Odean Avenue, St. Andrew, on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
According to the Half Way Tree police, at about 4:10 p.m., a woman was sitting inside a vehicle when Brown approached her. He allegedly reached inside the vehicle, grabbed a chain she was wearing, and fled the scene.
The complainant reported the incident to the police. As a result, the police launched an investigation, and arrested Brown after the complainant pointed him out.
Investigators formally charged Brown on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Brown who was remanded pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before the court on Tuesday. However, the court scheduled November 25, 2026 for his sentencing.
During her client’s bail application, attorney Mauricia Lawrence informed the court that Brown was seeking assistance to feed his children on the day of the incident.
Parish Judge Alwayne Smith emphasized the court’s duty to deliver a strong message that theft is unacceptable, particularly when it involves visitors who contribute to the nation’s economy.
“We have a serious responsibility and message to convey, even though it involves just two US dollars. We cannot take this lightly. You approached a visitor who helps support our economy, and you robbed her of her chain, so there will be no bail!” Smith stated.
The judge also pointed out that Brown’s inability to provide for his family cannot justify criminal behavior.
“Your choices lead to consequences; you must face the ramifications of your actions. Many of us have experienced hunger, and we endured it. Criminality has consequences, and you will be dealt with according to the law,” he added.
A boatyard dispute between two Kingston business associates ends tragically
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, two business associates from Harbor View in Kingston, Jamaica, became involved in a domestic dispute that escalated into violence.
During the confrontation, one of the men allegedly brandished a gun and opened fire, injuring the unarmed man. The situation intensified when the police intervened and neutralized the armed individual.
The authorities have identified the deceased as 63-year-old Paul Thompson, otherwise called “Pablo”, of a Richards Avenue, Kingston 6 address.
According to reports, at around 3:30 PM, Thompson and another businessman had a verbal argument concerning their shared boatyard. During the confrontation, Thompson became excessively aggressive, allegedly pulled out a gun, and fired twice, hitting his neighbor in the chest and right hand. He then turned the gun on his neighbor’s Rottweiler.
Residents rushed the injured man to hospital the hospital, where the medical staff admitted him in serious condition.
The police responded to the scene and, during their investigation, Thompson allegedly opened fire on them.
In fear for their lives, the officers returned fire, injuring Thompson. As a result, the officers rushed Thompson to the Kingston Public Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him deceased.
The Kingston Eastern police and INDECOM are investigating the incident.