THE Corporate Area Magistrate’s Court erupted in laughter Tuesday when it was told that an alleged pickpocket told the police that “careless people lef’ dem pocket careless mek people pick dem”, after he was accused of stealing a man’s wallet containing $20,000.

The 38-year-old tiler, Karl Miller of Tavares Gardens in Kingston, was arrested and charged on December 15 following an incident at the intersection of Harbour and King Streets in downtown Kingston, where he allegedly stole the man’s wallet.

Miller was allegedly held by the police at the scene of the reported theft after the complainant described the perpetrator to them.

It is alleged that Miller was found with J$13,450, US$12 and Can$5, which he told the police that he got from his sister after their brother — who is overseas — sent money for her.

The police claimed that when cautioned about stealing the man’s wallet, Miller said: “A from week mi deh yah a pick pocket; careless people left dem pocket careless mek people pick dem.”

However, Miller’s attorney Pearline Dove denied that her client made such a remark. The attorney also denied that Miller had stolen the man’s wallet with the cash.

The lawyer then attempted to make a bail application for her client, saying that he had one previous conviction, but Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey stopped her in her track and asked the suspect if he goes by another name.

Miller then told the magistrate that years ago he had used the name “Ezroy Stanley” when he was involved in a fraud matter for which he was convicted.

The judge then asked the lawyer if she had been aware of that, to which she responded “no”.

“I have never tried this man before, but I know that he had been before the court and I can tell just by looking at him. If I quizzed him today I am sure he will tell me about more of the crimes for which he has been convicted,” Pusey said. “He is not getting any bail until next year.”