MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man accused of breaking into a car belonging to Councillor Uvel Graham (Jamaica Labour Party, Spring Mount Division) and stealing more than US$1,000 was remanded when he appeared in the St James Parish Court last Wednesday.

Charged with simple larceny, Tajay Griffiths appeared before presiding judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce.

According to court records, the incident occurred between March 28 and 29.

The allegations are that Graham parked his car outside his residence before retiring for the night.

The next morning he inspected the vehicle and discovered that US$1,200 was missing.

The councillor was later informed by an individual that Griffiths was responsible for entering the vehicle and removing the money, prompting him to report the crime to the Spring Mount police.

When law enforcement officials attempted to arrest Griffiths he fled, forcing them to pursue him.

He was eventually captured, and when cautioned he reportedly said, “Mi know seh mi do something wrong, bossy… Mi a go mek yuh get back di money… Bossy, a up a ‘Lash’ party mi spend di money… Mi a go work and mek yuh get it back.”

When the defendant was asked to enter a plea on Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Meanwhile, the court clerk indicated that the prosecution was awaiting the eyewitness’ statement.

“Mr Griffiths, the court will be lenient if, on the first occasion, you are guilty and you plead guilty… If you are not guilty and you continue to plead not guilty, the matter has to be tried… If you are found guilty, straight to prison,” the judge told Griffiths, who insisted that he was not guilty.

He will remain in custody until May 15 when he is scheduled for a case management hearing.