KINGSTON, Jamaica — A visually impaired man, accused of selling stolen camera bulbs in downtown Kingston, pleaded not guilty when he appeared in the criminal division of the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

The complainant, a businesswoman who installs security cameras, had reportedly stored the bulbs at a property in Vineyard Town, eastern Kingston.

The accused, Leonard Prendergast, was allegedly found in downtown Kingston selling bulbs that contained cameras, with the complainant’s packaging bearing her company’s telephone number and logo.

Prendergast, who appeared in court without an attorney, denied knowing the bulbs were stolen.

“I sell bulbs, bulbs maintain me. I sell all kinds of bulbs, not just camera bulbs. I have a variety,” he told presiding judge Sanchia Burrell.

He continued: “On January 28, I was at my stall selling when a friend told me someone wanted bulbs. I went over to the person, and he asked how much for camera bulbs. I told him the price, and he picked them up, feeling them. I said, ‘This is a camera bulb,’ and gave him the price. He said he needed them. I told him I had three bulbs because I bought four, and he asked if they were stolen. I said I didn’t know, but I bought them. He then told me they were stolen. That’s when he took me and charged me.”

Judge Burrell however informed the accused that, despite his blindness, he should have exercised due diligence in ensuring the goods were not stolen.

“You need to find a way to check and ensure that you’re not getting involved in shady dealings. It’s an additional burden, but it’s one you must take on if you’re a blind man selling bulbs,” she said.

Attorney-at-law Vincent Wesley argued that Prendergast should be treated differently due to his physical disability.

“Your Honour, he needs to be treated differently. He cannot be treated like I would be, as a sighted person. The question should be asked: What responsibility did he have when negotiating? Based on the evidence the Crown has presented, it is insufficient to determine whether he had any criminal intent,” Wesley said.

-Vanassa McKenzie