A 19-year-old who allegedly snatched a gold chain from a woman was remanded to prison on Monday when he appeared before Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
Jason Lawrence of Lot 7 Broad Street, Charlestown, pleaded not guilty to the charge of larceny from the person.

It is alleged that on October 1, Lawrence snatched a gold chain valued at $160,000 from Candacy Beaton.

However Lawrence’s lawyer stated that the chain was not stolen but was damaged during a physical altercation that his client and Beaton had on the day of the incident. The defence attorney then applied for bail.

Beaton who was also present in court stated that on the day in question she was walking home while Lawrence was riding a bicycle along with a friend next to her. She said that when she reached home Lawrence accused her of being in a relationship with someone else and an argument erupted. Beaton further stated that Lawrence then grabbed her chain and was attempting to run away but she held onto his clothes. Lawrence reportedly handed back Beaton her chain and left.

The prosecution objected to the bail application on the grounds that Lawrence was currently serving a suspended sentence on another charge. The prosecution further stated that Lawrence had been before the court on three other charges and if granted bail he may continue breaking the law.

However Lawrence’s lawyer stated that his client had been on probation for a previous charge and assured the court that Lawrence was not a flight risk nor did he pose a threat to Beaton.

Magistrate Robertson then ordered that Lawrence be remanded to prison and to return to court on October 13.