KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 47-year-old man accused of stealing a gold-coloured chain valued at US$2 from a visitor to the island was denied bail when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Horace Brown, a resident of Golden Spring, St Andrew, faces a larceny charge after an incident along North Odean Avenue, St Andrew, on Thursday, July 16.

Reports from the Half Way Tree police are that about 4:10 pm, a woman was sitting inside a vehicle when she was approached by Brown, who allegedly reached inside the vehicle, grabbed a chain she was wearing and fled the scene.

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched. Brown was subsequently identified and formally charged with the offence on Friday, July 24.

Brown pleaded guilty to the charge in court on Tuesday.

His attorney, Mauricia Lawrence, told the court during the bail application that, on the day of the incident, Brown was trying to get assistance to feed his children. However, Parish Judge Alwayne Smith said the court had a responsibility to send a strong message that stealing should not be tolerated, especially when visitors who contribute to the country’s economy are involved.

“We have a serious responsibility and message to send, even though it’s two US dollars, we can’t take it lightly. He walked up to a visitor, who adds to the economy of the country and you just rob the woman chain so, no bail!” Smith said.

The judge stressed that Brown’s inability to provide for his family should not be used as an excuse to commit an act of criminality.

“Your choice is your consequence, you live by the consequence of your choices. Nuff a we in here did hungry and we hold it. Criminality has a consequence, you will be dealt with in law, sir,” he added.

Brown will return to court on November 25, 2026 for sentencing.

—Vanassa McKenzie