The accused for whom she signed bail was a no-show at the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court yesterday, so Magistrate Douglas Frederick ordered Grace Best to forfeit $1 000 forthwith.
Best had signed as surety for Julius Lavette Adams of 6th Avenue Brandons, St Michael, in a matter where he and four others were accused of using unlawful conduct.
Since September 10 last year, Adams has been absent from court and his surety was asked to either produce him or forfeit the bail sum of $3 000.
She subsequently returned to court again without Adams. However, on that occasion the magistrate took into consideration the effort she had made to find him. The bail sum was therefore reduced to $1, 500 and subsequently to $1. 000.
Today, Best told the court she had tried all she could to locate Adams and the last she heard, he was in jail in St Lucia. This would also mean that Adams left the jurisdiction without the court’s permission.
Asked about paying the bail amount, the woman told the court that she was having a “hard time” and had unemployed children.
“That is why magistrates ask sureties if they can pay the bail if the accused does not show up . . . and you said yes,” Frederick reminded.
In the end, the money was paid and the woman released from her obligations as surety.