Following 2008's record of more than 30 police personnel from the St James division facing the courts for several offences, yet another member of the force has been charged.

Facing the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on a charge of simple larceny is 23-year-old constable, Wayde Catton.

Catton was arrested on Monday after it was alleged that he stole US$600 that had been left for an inmate at the Freeport Police Station lock up a year ago.

Inconsistencies

Despite his not guilty plea and his attorney's argument that his client, who has been a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for the last three years, only got clothes and not money, Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry ordered that he be remanded until February 19 when the case will be tried. RM Henry cited inconsistencies in his explanations as one of the reasons for denying bail.

The prosecution is alleging that on January 24, 2008, the complainant went to visit an inmate and was informed by the accused that she could not see the prisoner as it was not his day for visits. The complainant allegedly left US$600 and items of clothing with the constable and he assured the complainant that they would be given to the inmate.

Further allegations are that later that day the complainant received a call and was informed that the inmate did not get any of the items.

The complainant returned to the station three days later and spoke to an inspector and an investigation was launched. The constable allegedly admitted to receiving the items but insisted that he gave them to the inmate. However, he was accused of changing his story and claiming that he left the items at a window and they were stolen. He subsequently said he only got the clothes, not the money.