ST JAMES, Jamaica – British national Burthland Hodges, who allegedly conspired with others to smuggle cocaine out of Jamaica, was supposed to have a bail hearing on Friday, but he was visibly irritated when he learnt that his lawyer would be unable to attend.

Hodges, 49, of Birmingham, England and St Ann, made an appearance in the St James Parish Court on May 19, and his bail hearing was rescheduled for Friday.

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However, when the matter was mentioned before presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley, the court was informed that Hodges’ lawyer, Everal Webster, was not present for the court hearing and most likely would not attend.

“When was the last time you saw your lawyer?” Judge Ashley asked Hodges.

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“He was supposed to be here in court, but I have not seen him, and today is supposed to be the bail hearing,” Hodges responded vehemently.

Meanwhile, the prosecution informed the court that its investigation revealed that Hodges’ ties to Jamaica were not strong enough to support the possibility of his being granted bail, as he had reportedly left the country as a child.

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Additionally, it was revealed that the prosecution’s case file was ready in the event that the matter should proceed to trial.

“The file is ready and a trial date will be set on a date convenient to the court. Your lawyer is absent and has not made proper arrangements for anyone to stand in for him,” Judge Ashley informed Hodges.

“So the bail application is out?” Hodges asked.

“What do you think?” Ashley asked in response, before remanding Hodges to return to court on July 21.

The charges against Hodges stem from his alleged involvement with two other British nationals, Luke Bradly and Loran Bartley, who were arrested on May 6 for attempting to smuggle cocaine onboard a flight to Birmingham, England at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James. Hodges was alleged to be a co-conspirator who sourced the cocaine and passed it on to carriers heading overseas.

Bradly and Bartley, who each attempted to smuggle 11 pounds of cocaine onto the Birmingham flight, were both sentenced in the St James Parish Court on May 19 after pleading guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine. They were both sentenced to 10 months in prison and ordered to pay a total fine of $1.5 million.