“Me and this big lady ain’t get no problem” – man tells court after charged with damaging neighbour’s windows

Aug 09, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

Kareem Smith remanded for annoying neighbour

Kaieteur News – A 22-year-old, man was remanded on Thursday to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer three charges based on offences he allegedly committed on his neighbour, Carol Austin.

The charges alleged that on June 25, 2023, the accused Kareem Smith, of West Ruimveldt Georgetown, caused significant damage to Austin’s property. Specifically, Smith is accused of damaging the woman’s windows, valued at $10,000, and a television set valued at $40,000. On the same day, he also threw missiles and unlawfully and maliciously wounded Austin.  Smith was initially charged in 2023 and was required to return to Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for a hearing. However, he failed to appear, prompting a year-long search by the police. Smith was apprehended on Wednesday and subsequently placed in police custody.

At his court appearance before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Thursday, Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges. When questioned about his previous absence, Smith explained, “I was not aware… I was in the interior working because I got to provide for my two children… I came out of the interior the other day.”

Prosecutor Quincy Lacon objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offences. Lacon informed the court that Smith had been evading arrest for a year in relation to the present offence and previous police reports issued against him. Lacon also reported that Smith resisted arrest, caused damage to a cell at the West Ruimveldt Police Station and attempted to escape custody on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Smith responded to the prosecution’s objection stating, “Me and this big lady ain’t get no problem, even though this lady is my neighbour, I does pass she straight.” Bail was denied, and Smith is scheduled to return to court on August 15, 2024 for statements.

• court, Kareem Smith, neighbour, Remand, West Ruimveldt