Jamaica: Accused baby thief remanded

The child's mother reportedly  left the baby in the care of the suspect to use the restroom and  upon her return, neither her child nor the woman was seen.
The child’s mother reportedly left the baby in the care of the suspect to use the restroom and upon her return, neither her child nor the woman was seen.

(Jamaica Gleaner) The 26- year-old woman who has been accused of stealing a baby in the parking lot at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James over a week ago, has been remanded into custody until next week Tuesday.

The January 22 mention date was set when Melissa Harriot of Norwood, St James, who was formally charged with child stealing, made an appearance in the St James Parish Court today.

Harriot and her boyfriend were arrested by the police in Norwood following the recovery of the baby on January 6.

It is not clear if any charges were laid against Harriot’s boyfriend.

Reports are that on January 4, the baby’s mother had asked Harriot, who allegedly befriended her, to hold the baby while she went to the restroom.

However, when the mother returned, both her baby and the accused were nowhere to be found.