A young man accused of stealing a large quantity of medical supplies from the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) was remanded in custody after the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court was informed that a voice note was found on his phone in which he was reportedly heard giving instruction for a policeman to be killed.

The accused, Kemar Samuels, 27, and his mother, Joy Brown, a patient care assistant at the hospital, were both arrested after police raided her home in Manley Meadows, Kingston on January 14 the police allegedly found the items which included a box of examination gloves, gauze, cottons, urine bags and paper towels.

Both were subsequently arrested and charged with simple larceny.

Last Friday, when the two accused appeared in court, Attorney Peter Champagnie indicated his intent to apply for bail for Samuels but this was strongly opposed by the prosecution.

Parish Judge Broderick Smith was informed by the investigating officer that based on their investigation Samuels is believed to be affiliated with a gang and that a voice note was found on his phone in which he was giving an order for a policeman to be killed.

The police further told the court that Samuels’ phone and its content have been sent to the Communications, Forensics Cybercrimes Unit (CFCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for it to be examined.

Champagnie, who was surprised by the new development, told the judge that it was the first time he was hearing anything about his client giving an order via a voice note.

Judge Broderick, however, informed both the defence and the prosecution that he needed to hear more from the police about what was found on the phone and asked for the report from CFCU to be obtained by Wednesday when the matter will be next mentioned.

Samuels was remanded while his mother’s bail was extended.

— Tanesha Mundle