MONTEGO BAY, St James — A routine court appearance unfolded into a cautionary tale of trust and alleged deception when 64-year-old Wilfred Panton stood before the bench in Montego Bay last Wednesday.

Panton appeared in the St James Parish Court charged with larceny by trick and obtaining credit by fraud. The matter was heard before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

According to the allegations, the first complainant indicated that Panton chartered him to take him to the Montego Bay Craft Market for an agreed sum. Before paying him, Panton borrowed $70,000, claiming he wished to exchange it for United States dollars and would return it. The complainant handed over the money, but after Panton exited the vehicle, he could not be found.

The complainant later saw Panton at Montego Bay Transport Centre on a bus heading to Spanish Town. Panton reportedly disembarked, handed over the money, and said, “See it ya, mi have it.” The complainant then took him to a police post.

In relation to the second complainant, the court heard that he was also chartered by Panton, who asked him for $14,000 under the same claim — that he wanted to exchange it for US currency and would return it.

It is further alleged that Panton borrowed another person’s phone to make a call and did not return it.

The court also heard that Panton allegedly cultivated trust by presenting himself as a bishop. His age, it was suggested, played a role in why people believed him and let down their guard.

Panton admitted in court that he previously had a brush with the law for similar offences committed in Montego Bay and Falmouth.

During the proceedings Fairclough-Hylton indicated to a probation officer that Panton seemed to be “a roving con artist”. The judge then ordered that a social enquiry report be prepared.

He remains in custody pending sentencing on March 25.

Haitian charged with illegal entry awaits interpreter

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A Haitian man who arrived on the island without proper documents appeared in the St James Parish Court last Wednesday facing charges of illegal entry.

The hearing, before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, was postponed until February 19 after it was confirmed that no interpreter was available to assist with the proceedings.

The defendant, Jorelson Bien-Aime, was remanded in custody pending further legal action.

Court records show that he was arrested in Mount Salem, Montego Bay, on February 5. Authorities allege that he first arrived on the island in April 2025, and information gathered since then led to his arrest and subsequent court appearance.

The case highlights the importance of proper documentation and legal procedures for foreign nationals.

With the February 19 date now set, the court will be able to continue proceedings with the necessary interpretation support, ensuring the matter is fully and fairly addressed.

Man accused of assaulting girlfriend faces court

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Antonique Hall appeared in the St James Parish Court last Wednesday accused of assaulting his girlfriend. He pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious destruction of property.

The alleged incidents reportedly began on January 2 in Spring Mount, St James. The complainant spent the morning at the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in Montego Bay before visiting her sister.

The court heard that upon returning home, Hall accused her of going to another man’s house, which led to a confrontation. He allegedly kicked the complainant in the stomach, squeezed her throat, and pushed her to the ground.

Eight days later, the drama continued. On January 10, Hall reportedly ordered the complainant to leave his house and tried to drag her outside. She braced herself on the bed to resist, but he was successful in forcing her out. While outside, she sent her child back into the house for her cellphone, only to discover it had been damaged and the SIM card removed.

The complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to Hall’s arrest and the charges he now faces.

During the proceedings, his bail was varied, requiring him to report to a specific police station on designated days. The court was also told that the medical certificate is still pending.

Meanwhile, the complainant expressed a willingness for mediation but Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton rejected the idea, citing Hall’s courtroom attitude.

“This is an offence for which I can send you to prison for up to three years. Somehow, you don’t seem to understand that yet,” the judge told Hall. “You are looking at her as if she did something wrong. You need to adjust your attitude, sir.”

The judge left the door open for mediation at the next hearing, scheduled for March 11, but only if Hall demonstrates a change in attitude.

His bail was extended.