Two men are facing legal troubles after one of them stole two blank, pre-signed cheque leaves from his brother’s business and filled them out for a total of $1.4 million payable to the other man.

Tevin Burrell and Ronique White, both from St James, appeared before the parish court last Wednesday. Burrell has been charged with two counts of simple larceny, while White faces charges of two counts of receiving stolen property.

According to court records, on September 27, Burrell went to his brother’s business establishment and discovered pre-signed cheques. He then filled out two of the cheques, one for $600,000 and the other for $800,000, and made both payable to White.

The incident was reported to the police, and investigations revealed that on September 28 White went to a cheque-cashing facility on Barnett Street in Montego Bay and signed for the $600,000 cheque that Burrell had made out to him.

In October, White also visited a business establishment on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in the parish and signed for the $800,000 cheque that Burrell had also made out to him.

The two men were subsequently arrested and charged.

During Wednesday’s court sitting, White told the court that he had only been given $30,000 from the business deal, and subsequently handed over that amount to the complainant.

The judge then requested social enquiry reports for both men and postponed sentencing until December 16.

Burrell was remanded in custody, while White’s bail was extended.

Man who pulled scissors at elderly man to stand trial

A January 2025 trial date has been set for Donald Morrison who allegedly pulled a pair of scissors on an elderly man who accidentally brushed against him while passing.

Morrison received the trial date after a brief appearance before presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton at St James Parish Court last Wednesday.

He previously pleaded not guilty to assault at common law, possession of an offensive weapon, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

During Wednesday’s court session, the court clerk said that the case file was complete.

However, Morrison’s lawyer, Chrishana Fregenette, told the court that she was recently assigned and would need time to take instructions from her client.

In an effort to accommodate the lawyer’s request, Fairclough-Hylton set the trial date for January 24, 2025 and extended Morrison’s bail.

According to court documents, about 6:30 pm on September 30, the complainant, who relies on crutches for mobility, was walking along the road when he encountered Morrison obstructing his path.

The complainant asked the defendant to clear the pathway, and in the process of trying to pass, he accidentally brushed against Morrison who subsequently shoved him, causing the complainant to lose his balance and fall to the ground. Morrison then allegedly brandished a pair of scissors and said, “Mi wi kill yuh, old bwoy.”

The complainant encountered two police officers and filed a report. The officers approached Morrison, and during a search, he was reportedly found to be in possession of a pair of scissors.

Morrison was informed of the offence, and when cautioned he reportedly said, “Officer, mi neva stab the old man.”

The police officer then held on to Morrison, who allegedly resisted by pushing away the officer’s hand and uttering profanities. Morrison then reportedly began shouting, which drew a crowd.

Consequently, he was arrested and charged.