Security guard remanded in custody on robbery-related charges
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A security guard accused of facilitating a late-night warehouse robbery was remanded in custody after appearing in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
R Livingston faces charges of warehouse breaking, larceny and receiving stolen property.
According to the prosecution, Livingston was on duty at a business premises when a vehicle was permitted entry around 11:00 pm. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly proceeded to steal items from the warehouse. The court heard that CCTV footage reportedly showed Livingston on duty at the time of the theft and he was therefore taken into custody.
Attempting to secure bail for the accused, his attorney argued that another female guard on duty had been the one to grant access to the alleged thieves while Livingston was performing other duties. The attorney also argued that the CCTV footage was blurry.
Noting that they were aware of the other security guard in question, the prosecution said she could not be located.
Despite this, presiding Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell expressed concern about the timing of Livingston’s defence, as he had previously remained tight-lipped with police, only offering a “no comment” response to repeated questioning.
Judge Burrell queried why he would not have used the first opportunity to defend himself from the accusations.
Further evidence later emerged in court showing additional security footage from the gate, which allegedly depicted Livingston opening the gate to let the robbers inside.
Judge Burrell refused to hear a bail application in that court session and the accused was therefore remanded in custody.
— Dana Malcolm
