Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

Spanish Town

A senior citizen who refused to return the security deposit to a tenant who left her house smiled broadly when the $18,000 that she was bound to pay, after the tenant sued her, was collected in court, from sympathetic persons.

Edith Edwards, 82, had to be housed at the Clerk of Courts Office in Spanish Town - due to her failing health - while senior Resident Magistrate Lorna Errar-Gayle pleaded with lawyers, policemen, probation officers and other persons to donate what cash they could to avert Edwards going straight to prison.

She told them that Edwards did not look as if she would be able to manage a custodial sentence.

As this message rang out, several persons started to hand over various notes, including $1,000 bills, to constable Ian Lewin who collected the money on her behalf. Within two hours, the compassion of several persons realised the $18,000. This caused the senior citizen to say many thank yous to all who made her freedom possible.

There was also a word of advice from the judge as to how she should go about dealing with security deposits and other business transactions.