KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two men accused of stealing four goats from Hayes, Clarendon were remanded in custody on Tuesday when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

The accused men, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence, have been charged with receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of property, respectively.

Allegations are that on August 3, 2025, at around 3:00 am, police officers on duty in the Denham Town area observed a Toyota Fielder motor car being driven at high speed, which aroused their suspicion.

The officers reportedly pursued the vehicle, which turned into a premises said to belong to Beacon, who then allegedly attempted to close the gate. It is reported that the motor vehicle was being driven by Spence. Both men were accosted and four goats were found in the car.

According to arguments presented by the Crown, when the men were asked to give an account for the goats, Spence informed the police officers after being cautioned that he saw the goats on the road and picked them up, as he didn’t know who they belonged to.

The Crown further reported that Beacon told the police: “Officer Jah know me know it wrong but a thief Spence thief the goat them and carry them come sell me.”

When Spence was questioned further by the officers, he allegedly admitted to stealing the goats from Hayes in Clarendon to sell to Beacon, whom he referred to as “Short Man”.

“A really the third time him carry the thiefing goat them come give me,” Beacon, who is said to be a farmer, reportedly told the police officers.

However, Beacon’s attorney told presiding judge Simone Walker-McFarlane that his client denies the allegations, stating: “He was in his house, the vehicle came in, when he came out to find out what was happening it was the police him see dragging out the man, driver, out of the vehicle and as I said these allegations I can’t believe he would be so foolish to express to the police in that manner.”

The Crown also noted that several other goats were found at Beacon’s premises.

Spence was unrepresented during the hearing but is expected to retain legal-aid counsel by the next court date.

Both men are scheduled to return to court on September 30, 2025.

— Vanassa McKenzie