AT least two men who have been linked to robberies in downtown Kingston, which have seen a recent increase, are now behind bars.

Carson Walker, who pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravation, is expected to be sentenced on December 12, while a bail application for his co-accused Paul Porter, 47, is to continue on the same day, although the police are strongly opposed to bail being granted.

Last week, vendors in downtown Kingston called for an increased police presence in the market district.

The vendors, who were obviously frustrated with the increase in barefaced robberies and the violence to which unsuspecting victims were subjected if they resisted, raised concerns.

“Yuh see dem just come and all three a dem go dung pon a man wid a knife; a demand dem a demand di ting dem and a tek it outta yuh pocket. Dem a tek out yuh phone, dem a tek out yuh money. If you gwaan like yuh a frown dem push dem hand inna yuh pocket and tek it out,” one vendor complained to the Jamaica Observer in a recent visit to the market district.

It is reported that on November 15, at approximately 2:40 pm, the complainant was walking along East Queen Street when Walker approached him and told him not to move or he would shoot.

Porter reportedly put his hands in the complainant’s pockets and allegedly removed $10,650 from one pocket and $300 from another.

Porter and Walker were apprehended and taken to Kingston Central Police Station by police officers who were on patrol in the area.

Yesterday, when the matter was mentioned in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, the prosecutor told the court that the money was found in Porter’s possession.

The court also heard that when Porter was cautioned, he said: “Officer, gi wi a chance.”

Despite the liaison officer’s indication to the court that Porter is known to the police and that he has been before the court for a similar offence, his attorney continued steadfastly with his bail application.

The attorney argued that since Porter’s detention, his four-year-old child had fallen ill. However, Parish Judge Maxine Ellis was not moved.

“The child has no mother? Ellis asked the attorney, who indicated that the mother was sitting in court.

“I see. So who told the child about this?” Ellis quizzed.

The attorney told the court that the child had apparently overheard the mother speaking with a relative.

The judge, seemed concerned about the child’s well-being, said she hopes the child is getting counselling.

The attorney also argued that if Porter was granted bail, he would not interfere with the witness.

However, the address that was given to the court by his attorney was different from the address in the case file.

The parish judge said she would have to verify Porter’s address before considering bail.