A mother who stood as surety for her son still did not know his whereabouts when his case came up in the District ‘A’
Magistrates’ Court.
Corey Andre Beckles, of Baxters, St Andrew, was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. The last time he attended court was May 2014. Since then, his mother told the court, he had gone missing.
Beckles and a St James man were charged with possession, trafficking and intent to supply 1,178 pounds of marijuana within the exclusive economic zone in March 2011.
On the last occasion, Magistrate Frederick had asked for some type of official documentation to show that Beckles was in fact a missing person, since he was unwilling to go on the surety’s word alone.
When she reappeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick, she informed the court that some form of notification showing that her son had been reported missing, was on its way.
Minutes later, Beckles’ wife arrived. When she took the witness stand, she too was questioned about her husband’s location.
“What has become of Corey Beckles?” asked Magistrate Frederick.
“He is missing on sea; a year and three months now,” she replied.
“He was a fisherman?”
“No.”
“So what was he doing on sea and is on bail for drugs?’
“I don’t know Sir,” the woman said.
She also said she had a statement which she made to police at the Belleplaine Police Station, but could not find it this morning. She assured the court that she could get a copy from there and return to the court with it.
The magistrate then adjourned the case sine die (without a date) and explained to the woman that the matter is still “alive” and can be reactivated if Beckles turns up.
“It is a year and three months and I have not had a phone call, nothing,” she responded.
Magistrate Frederick then informed her of another case where a man had gone missing, his mother had presumed him dead and he had returned some time after.
“I think he has a case here today,” the magistrate added.
“I suppose anything is possible,” the woman replied.