MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man accused of stealing more than US$1,000 from the parked car of Councillor Uvel Graham (Jamaica Labour Party, Spring Mount Division) walked away from the St James Parish Court a free man on Tuesday, after the councillor chose not to proceed with the case.

Tajay Griffiths had been charged with simple larceny in relation to an incident said to have occurred between March 28 and 29.

According to court documents, Graham parked his vehicle outside his home overnight and, by morning, US$1,200 was reportedly missing.

Graham later received information linking Griffiths to the alleged theft. A report was made to the Spring Mount Police Station. When lawmen moved in to arrest Griffiths he allegedly fled, but was later captured.

Upon being cautioned he reportedly made a startling admission, “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.”

Despite the apparent admission, the complainant’s decision not to pursue the matter brought the case to a halt. The prosecution informed the court that a written statement had been received from Graham indicating he no longer wished to proceed. As a result, no evidence was offered against Griffiths.

Parish judge, Justice Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, addressed Griffiths directly before releasing him.

“No evidence is offered against you in respect of this matter, Mr Griffiths. But let me warn you — this is an offence for which you could have gone to prison for up to three years. Stay out of trouble,” she admonished.

With that, the matter was closed. Griffiths exited the courtroom without a conviction.