An ex-convict who was implicated in the robbery of a woman’s handbag in downtown Kingston told the judge that he only specialises in housebreaking and did not like “thief”.

Delroy Codner was arrested and charged with robbery with violence following the March 28 robbery. The court heard that on the day in question about 8:40 am, the complainant was walking along Duke Street when she was robbed of her handbag.

Shortly after, the man, whom the Crown is alleging is Codner, reportedly rode up on a bicycle and took the handbag and rode off.

The complainant reported the matter and Codner was later held by the police after he was pointed out. But last Thursday when Codner appeared in court, he insisted that he was not involved in the robbery.

He told the judge that he only breaks into houses and that all the police at Central Police Station in downtown Kingston could vouch for him. “Even you, Miss Pusey, know that,” he said.

“Every time me come here is always for housebreaking, I never change yet, “ Codner added. “I don’t even like thief. “You always send me to prison and I go and come back.

I am the most truthful criminal,” he continued. Codner, who tried at length to convince the judge of his innocence, said: “If I did come here for grabbing a bag I would a plead guilty and go, but I never grab a bag yet, I would be ashame.”

Judge Pusey however pointed out to Codner that he was not charged for grabbing away the woman’s bag, he was charged for receiving it from the man who robbed her.

She then asked the prosecutor for the description that the woman had given of Codner, which accurately described the accused man. “Dem catch you,” the judge told Codner after hearing the description.

But the accused maintained his innocence, claiming he was working when the incident occurred and that the police were aware that he had been working. He also told the judge that he had changed and was trying to do right.

“I change from the last time you send me go jail, and since me come back I am working hard,” Codner said.

He then told the judge that he wanted her to try him but she told him that another judge would have to try him, as she was too familiar with him.

“God bless you and me love you same way,” Codner replied. Meanwhile, Codner was remanded to appear in court on the following day in relation to another robbery in which he is charged with Wayne Farquharson and Shannon Cooper.

They were charged with housebreaking and possession of housebreaking implements in relation to the alleged attempted robbery of a store in downtown Kingston.

Codner and Cooper were remanded while the other accused man’s bail was extended. They are to return to court on May 27.