Bail extended for tenant accused of housebreaking and larceny
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Bail was on Tuesday extended for a primary tenant who is charged with housebreaking and larceny in relation to a dispute involving a room she had sublet and missing cash.
Raymona Blake appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court where prosecutors outlined that she had rented a room to the complainant but had reportedly been trying to have him leave the premises. The court heard that one afternoon, the complainant left Blake in the living room before heading to work. When he returned, he was unable to enter the property and subsequently broke the lock.
Inside, he reportedly found his belongings ransacked, and US$450 and J$150 missing from a suitcase.
Presiding Judge Chester Crooks asked whether any surveillance cameras were on the property and if footage existed that could identify who entered the room. The complainant said there was no footage but maintained that Blake was the last person he saw at the premises before leaving for work.
The court also heard that the “rightful owner” of the property had since contacted the complainant. Judge Crooks noted that the matter could potentially attract an additional charge and said he would need to hear from the owner regarding whether subletting was permitted under the rental agreement.
It was further disclosed in court that Blake and the complainant were allegedly in a relationship, a claim the complainant firmly denied. Judge Crooks cautioned against introducing a prior relationship as a legal strategy, adding that while he was not accusing anyone of doing so, he was aware that such tactics are sometimes used.
Blake’s bail was extended until February 23.