MONTEGO BAY, St James — Concerned about the behaviour of an American woman who appeared before her after being accused of shoplifting from a supermarket, Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton decided to do a bit of digging.

Dora Stewart appeared in the St James Parish Court last Wednesday, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of simple larceny. The allegation stems from an incident at Progressive Foods in Fairview, Montego Bay, St James, on June 22.

According to the prosecution, Stewart was observed at the cash counter with a shopping bag containing items. While at the counter she allegedly placed additional merchandise into the bag.

Upon leaving the establishment Stewart was stopped and checks revealed that her shopping bag contained items belonging to the store. However, she was reportedly unable to produce a receipt for the merchandise, the court was told.

The police were alerted, Stewart was informed of the offence, and she was arrested.

Under caution she reportedly said, “I am not guilty and I am being falsely accused.”

During proceedings last week the clerk of court informed the judge that several documents remain outstanding, including an invoice from Progressive Foods, CCTV footage, a functionality statement, and an eyewitness statement. Judge Fairclough-Hylton then asked whether there was any cause for concern regarding Stewart.

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The clerk advised that Stewart is a foreign national who stated that she holds dual citizenship but has no established ties to Jamaica.

When questioned about her immigration status, Stewart told the court she had applied for Jamaican citizenship and had been informed by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) that an email would have been sent to her. However, she said, she had not yet checked for the email.

When asked where she was staying in Jamaica, Stewart told the court she was living with a family friend.

The judge also questioned Stewart about the length of time she had been granted permission to remain in the country, upon entry, but she was unable to provide a satisfactory response.

Based on Stewart’s demeanour during the hearing, Judge Fairclough-Hylton asked whether she had ever been to a doctor for any type of illness. Stewart replied that she had not.

The American was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions attached.

The case was adjourned until July 8.