The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 38-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with unlawful possession and deceit of a public officer.

Presley McKee was arrested after he was found with a bag of cement on December 9, which officers had reasonable suspicion to believe had been stolen.

The court was told that around 5.20 am that day, officers were on mobile patrol in the area of Cowpen Road when they observed McKee walking down the street with a bag of cement.

Officers subsequently approached the accused and questioned him about the bag of cement.

However, the court was told McKee gave an unsatisfactory account as to how the bag came into his possession.

While being questioned, police also said McKee deceived them by giving a false name.

During his hearing before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis, the accused pleaded guilty to the offences.

However, when given the chance to speak, the 38-year-old told the court he never lied to police and said the name he gave to officers was what he was known by.

“I never gave them no wrong name or nothing,” he said, adding that the officers just wanted to see him placed behind bars.

Asked by Magistrate Rolle-Davis what his real name was, McKee initially listed several different names, including the one he gave to officers the night of his arrest.

However, when pressed on the issue, the 38-year-old told the court his real name was “Presley”.

In response, Magistrate Rolle-Davis asked him if had any documents to verify the matter, but McKee said he did not.

As a result, the magistrate deferred sentencing until Thursday and McKee was remanded to prison in the interim. The court was also told McKee had previous convictions.

Also appearing before court on similar charges yesterday was 31-year-old Raynaldo Rolle.

Rolle was charged with deceiving a public officer after police found that he gave them a false name when they searched him on December 11.

The prosecution said when officers stopped and searched Rolle he told them his name was Rashard Richardson.

While conducting their checks, officers found there were several outstanding warrants for Richardson in their system.

Rolle, who was believed to be him, was subsequently arrested.

However, after the accused was transported to the police station, officers then discovered his real name.

During yesterday’s hearing, Rolle admitted to the offence and apologised for his actions.

Rolle told the court the name he gave police was his cousin’s own, adding he did so out of fear of losing his job.

“(My boss) told me that any mix up with the law will cost me my contract,” he said.

Rolle was subsequently placed on probation for one year.

However, Magistrate Rolle-Davis warned him if he breached the conditions of his release, he would spend three months in prison.