KINGSTON, Jamaica — A teen accused of robbery with aggravation and malicious destruction of property was granted bail when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Miguel Lawrence, 18, was arrested and charged after he was identified as being among a group of individuals who allegedly robbed a motorcyclist and damaged the bike during the incident.

According to the prosecution, the biker was returning from an event when he was attacked and robbed.

Lawrence’s attorney, however, argued that his client was merely a passer-by and did not participate in the robbery. He told the court that when the police arrived to make arrests, others fled the scene while Lawrence remained because he had no involvement. The attorney also pointed out that his client was identified solely by his hairstyle.

Presiding Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell, upon observing Lawrence’s unkempt, matted plaits, advised that he consider getting a haircut to which his attorney agreed.

The defence requested bail on the basis that Lawrence had no previous convictions. Bail was granted in the sum of $250,000.

Lawrence is scheduled to return to court on July 3.

–  Carlysia Ramdeen