Suspect To Surrender All His Travel Documents
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter- SKNVibes.com
 |
|
Thomas Simmonds
|
Charlestown, Nevis: Thomas Simmonds who is facing a robbery charge this morning requested that his case be heard on April 2008 High Court Criminal Assizes claiming that the current Jury already heard him change his plea from ‘guilty’ to ‘not guilty’ and would therefore be prejudiced.
Yesterday when Simmonds case was mentioned, he first pleaded ‘guilty’ but when Justice Francis Bell told him he would be remanded until today when his case would be heard, he changed his plea to ‘not guilty.’ Simmonds was not represented.
Both of Simmonds’ hands are in casts. Crown Counsel Renold Benjamin who read his charge told the court that on July 28, 2007 at Cotton Ground, armed with a crow-bar, he allegedly robbed Simeon Williams a total of EC$75.
When his case was mentioned this morning, Justice Bell cautioned the accused and told him to be careful what he said.
“You are here for your trial. Do not say anything that will make it impossible for us to have a trial,” His Lordship cautioned.
But when Simmonds spoke, he said, “I want it (case) traversed to the next assizes.” His Lordship then told Simmonds, “Given the circumstances, bail is extended.”
His Lordship established Simmonds’s place of residence. Simmonds told the High Court that he lives behind the police station.
Justice Francis Bell granted Simmonds his request but put in place stern bail conditions.
~~Adz:Right~~ The accused will maintain a bail of EC$20,000 already granted but the accused will surrender all his travel documents to the Registrar of High Court with immediate effect. He must also stay away from the complainant, Simeon Williams.
Simmonds is also required to report to the New Castle Police station Nevis, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7.00 a.m and 7 p.m. Should Simmonds breach the conditions of the bail, the bail will be revoked, His Lordship stated.
“Next time, before you open your mouth, make up your mind what you want,” His Lordship told Simmonds.
