KINGSTON, Jamaica – Simeon Sutherland, the man accused of murdering former People’s National Party Member of Parliament Dr Lynvale Bloomfield, whose trial was set to begin in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, has disappeared.

Sutherland, who is represented by attorney Peter Champagnie, reportedly met with the lawyer along with his parents on Wednesday morning at his offices.

However, when the matter was called up before Supreme Court Judge Justice Leighton Pusey, Sutherland, who was said to be on his way, did not show despite the court taking a break to allow him time.

The defendant’s parents reportedly said they dropped him off at the entrance of the court on King Street in downtown Kingston.

In a dramatic turn of events, Sutherland’s mother, who stood surety for her son’s $800,000 bail, was ordered taken into custody by the court.

The police meanwhile have been ordered to arrest Sutherland on sight while officials at the sea and airports have been instructed to be on high alert.

In the meantime, Champagnie told the court he was “beyond surprised” by the actions of his client.