By Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

A St. James man, who has spent the last six weeks in custody after he was arrested for allegedly stealing lumber from a construction site, was on Friday offered bail.

But Dwayne Grey, 27, of Over River, is maintaining his innocence in the unlawful possession of property matter.

Grey was offered bail in the sum of $30,000 with surety in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court. He was ordered to report to the Mount Salem Police Station every Monday.

A trial date was not set in the matter as there are two outstanding statements. The matter is set for mention on September 29.

The allegations against Grey are that he went to a construction site on July 30, and took several pieces of lumber valued at $29,600. The complainant returned later to discover that the items were missing and contacted the police.

Based on information received, the police conducted a search of Grey's property and saw pieces of lumber that were positively identified by the complainant.

Further reports are that the accused man told the police that he bought the items from a watchman and gave the police a description. However, when the men spoke to the watchman, he denied any such transaction and told the police that Grey had allegedly stolen a bicycle from him.