Bail for accused in cigarette trial

A St Mary man, who was reportedly held with J$300 million worth of illegal cigarettes, had some trouble receiving a bail offer when he appeared before the St James Parish Court last Wednesday as his address could not be verified.

Mark Barrett is charged with breaches of the Customs Act.

Clerk of the court Shantalle Bannerbie said, "He (Barrett) gave the officer an address in St Mary, but checks were made, and it could not be found."

Luckily for Barrett, some of his relatives were on hand to inform the court that he could reside with them in St James if he should be offered bail.

Judge Kacia Grant subsequently offered bail to Barrett in the sum of J$200,000 with two sureties on condition that he should report to the Coral Gardens Police Station three times weekly, surrender his travel documents, and reside in St James.

Barrett's case is set for mention on September 20.