By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 22-year-old man accused of stealing nearly $30,000 worth of car parts from vehicles parked in a mechanic’s yard is set to stand trial in November.
Police arrested Eryq Forbes after they alleged he stole 13 catalytic converters and several mufflers on July 23.
The court was told that the owner of the car parts said he was contacted by his neighbour who asked him if he had given anyone permission to enter his yard. He said when he replied ‘no’, he was informed that someone was on his premises taking car parts and that the police had been called. The prosecution said when the man checked his yard, he noticed all of the mufflers and catalytic converters from 40 cars were missing. The court was told that the car parts had a combined value of $29,781.92.
The prosecution said officers later arrested Forbes, who matched the description that the complainant’s neighbours gave police. When he was arrested and questioned, he said he was riding with his friends who he claimed were the ones who actually went into the yard and stole the car parts.
During the hearing, Forbes maintained his original explanation and stated that although he was aware of “what was going on” that day, he did not take any part in it.
“I went in the area to do work, but my friends had different intentions,” he stated.
In response, Magistrate Shaka Serville told Forbes that as his explanation suggested he was not the one who carried out the offence, he would record a not guilty plea and adjourn the matter for trial.
Forbes was granted $5,000 bail in the interim.
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