ST JAMES, Jamaica – Rushawn Patterson, the man who is charged with the murder of popular social media influencer Aneka “Slickianna” Townsend has been denied bail.

The denial was made by Justice, Andrea Thomas, when a bail application was made on Tuesday in the St James Circuit Court.

Justice Thomas in handing down her ruling said “in my view, the allegations of the Crown are serious enough and sufficient enough to form the view that, if granted bail, the accused man will not return. At this time, bail is denied.”

The Crown had stated among other reasons that Patterson is a flight risk and that based on his history, if given bail, he may not show up for court.

The Crown also told Justice Andrea Thomas that Patterson has another case in court in the parish of St Andrew. That case has to do with an alleged abduction of a woman in 2018.

The Crown told the court that Patterson was denied bail in that matter.

Patterson is being represented by a new attorney, Dionne Meyler Barrett, who outlined reasons why he should be given bail. She said Patterson should be given bail on humanitarian grounds and based on the weakness of the Crown’s case. Patterson was previously represented by Michelle Thomas.

Meyler Barrett said her client, who is not a flight risk, suffers from two medical conditions and was in need of medical attention. She also claimed that he was in danger while in custody.

However, Justice Thomas in denying bail did not agree, claiming the Crown has strong evidence. She pointed to conflicting information that Patterson reportedly gave the police surrounding the whereabouts of Townsend prior to her body being found.

Justice Thomas before giving Patterson a September 21 court return date said she was satisfied that the police will be able to take care of his medical condition while in custody.

Townsend’s scantily clad body was retrieved from the sea in Reading, St James on October 21.

On November 11, the police had stated that Townsend travelled from Kingston to Montego Bay where she was picked up by Patterson at approximately 7:30 pm on October 20. During the evening, they visited a restaurant in Hanover and a guest house in St James.

At some point during the night, an argument reportedly developed between them. Patterson is accused of strangling Townsend and disposing of her body.

READ: Rushane Patterson arrested in Hanover

Patterson was named as a person of interest on October 22. He was picked up at a guest house in Hanover by a Police Area One operational team on November 2 after missing at least two deadlines to turn himself in.

READ: UPDATE: Police name person of interest in death of woman believed to be social media influencer