Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:

A man, who allegedly damaged a door at a property where he had gone to pick ackees, was remanded in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Clifford Reid, 42, originally from St Catherine but currently of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty to malicious destruction of property and was remanded until February 27, at which time his criminal records are to be brought to court.

Allegations are that on January 24, about 11:30 a.m., a Hawkeye security guard received an alarm about an intruder at a property on Leaders Avenue in Montego Bay. On arrival, he saw Reid leaving the premises, and noticed that a section of a door to the house was broken off.

The police were summoned and Reid was accosted and taken to the Barnett Street Police Station. Under caution, he reportedly said, "Me see di bottom of di door mash off and tear off already." He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Reid told Resident Magistrate Sheron Barnes that he had only gone to the property to pick ackees.

"I went on the property to pick some ackees under the tree. I didn't break the door, the door was broken off already," said Reid.

"Well, thanks to you, Hawkeye got good advertising today. Where are you from?" asked RM Barnes.

"I don't have any fixed address, but I'm originally from St Catherine," Reid replied.

"How long have you been in St James?" the magistrate asked.

"For the last five years," answered Reid.

RM Barnes subsequently ordered Reid to be placed in custody until February 27, and ordered that his police records be brought to court at that time.