Thirty-year-old Junior Christie who was recently sentenced to three months' imprisonment at hard labour for stealing $350 worth of ackees from a tree at King's House has received legal aid and is appealing his case.

He was yesterday offered $30,000 bail in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Last Thursday, Christie was sentenced by Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey after he pleaded guilty to praedial larceny.

On Tuesday, the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, responded to calls for him to pardon Christie.

Since Christie's sentencing, there has been much public disquiet from human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice, members of the legal fraternity and ordinary Jamaicans.

Pardon The Sentence 

Christie's sentencing has been described as excessive, with some calling for the Governor General to exercise his authority to pardon the sentence.

Sir Patrick explained that he can only exercise the prerogative of mercy after a legal action is taken to the Privy Council and consultations are held.

He noted that the constitution prevents him from taking unilateral action in matters adjudicated by the courts.

Source: Jamaica Star