Ailing 60-year-old accused drug smuggler gets bail
Western Bureau: A 60-year-old man, who has been plagued with a series of ailments and generally poor health since he was incarcerated for possession of cocaine last month, was granted bail in the sum of $500,000 on Wednesday.
He is Joseph Wilmott, a dental technician of Alexandria District in St Ann.
When he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court Wednesday, his attorney Ernie Smith argued valiantly for him to be granted bail on the basis of his failing health. Smith informed the court that Wilmott had been “in and out’ of hospital for “the better part” of the last three years. He argued further that his client’s health had worsened considerably since he was placed in lock-up late last month, to the extent that the police had to take him to hospital.
The attorney pointed to the apparent “acting up” of his client’s remaining kidney, and the swelling of his ankles, as sure signs that the dental technician’s health was indeed worsening as the days progressed.
In concluding his submission, Smith said “the stress of incarceration and the panic of what faces him” had resulted in Wilmott’s poor health.
On June 27, Wilmott who was on his way to Fort Lauderdale, was caught with one and a half pounds of cocaine at the security checkpoint at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The drug was oncealed in the false compartment of his travelling bag.
He was later slapped with charges of possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine.
Having heard the allegations, and Smith’s submission on Wednesday, presiding judge Valerie Stephens said that while she did not usually grant bail to persons found with cocaine, she would make Wilmott the exception.
She however made it clear that her decision was based wholly on the fact of his failing health.
Smith initially set the bail at $1 million, with one or two sureties. She later reduced it after Smith argued that his client’s station in life would prevent him from taking up the bail.
The sum was set at $500,000, with one or two sureties. And the judge ordered that Wilmott hand over his travel documents to the police.
He is to return to court on July 26, when the case will again be mentioned.
