Twenty-three accused of violating curfew appear in court

Over 20 people who ignored a curfew put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic were arraigned today.

The 24-hour curfew restricts the reasons that people who work in non-essential services can leave their homes.

Despite an outbreak of the disease in the country, it was business as usual this weekend for those caught roaming the streets without permission.

Police arrested Nicholas Lightbourne and Sony Prospere at Palm Beach Street for violating the curfew on March 27.

Police allegedly found a 9mm pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition and several ounces of marijuana in their car.

They denied the charges when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and were refused bail.

A trial is set for September 1.

Lionel Styles Jr., who claimed he left his premises at 2 a.m. on March 28, because he was having a panic attack, was fined $250.

Jason Joseph, who broke the curfew to visit a friend, was fined $350.

Raymond Miller, who was caught on the street around 3 a.m. after leaving a friend’s home, paid the same sum.

Valentino Smith, his brother Brendan Smith and his girlfriend Patrika Newman were arrested around 5 p.m. on March 27. Newman and Brendan Smith had caught a ride with Valentino Smith to pick up her child. The magistrate discharged Newman and Valentino Smith but fined Brendan Smith $250.

Roage Bryant, Juliana Fernander and Sven Hepburn admitted violating the curfew and were all warned and discharged.

Lakeisha Carrol and her best friend Alexandra Estrada were each fined $250. Neither woman could explain why they were at Gibbs Corner around 9:40 p.m. on March 27.

Micius Watson, of Gibbs Corner, was fined $450.

Desmond Thurston, who claimed he was going to the gas station after 9 p.m., was fined $400.

Dawson Scavella, who was headed home from his grandmother’s home, was fined $350.

Police arrested Charles Bain and Kirkwood Hutchinson around 11:20 p.m. on March 26 on Wulff Road, after they claimed they were going to collect money. The decision to break the curfew cost them both $500.

Cordaro Burrows claimed he also intended to collect money when police arrested him at Carmichael Road on March 28. He was fined $400 or two months in prison.

Leshanda Thurston left her home at John Road to get butter from a friend on Moonshine Drive. The decision cost her $400.

Audley Miller claimed he was headed to the bank when police arrested him around 8:40 p.m. on March 29. He was fined $400.

Alex Cartwright and Jermal Taylor were also each fined $400 for breaking the curfew.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/03/30/twenty-three-accused-of-violating-curfew-appear-in-court/