Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
A 19-YEAR-OLD woman who allegedly stole a baby in Spanish Town last week pleaded guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of $80,000 when she appeared in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
The accused is Michelle Johnson of Job Lane, Spanish Town.
Allegations outlined to the court are that on September 27, 30-year-old Mitsy Edwards went with her 2-week-old baby to the LoJ Shopping Centre in Spanish Town at 3:00 p.m. While there, Johnson struck up a conversation with her. She eventually left her baby with Johnson to discard diapers. When she returned, neither the baby nor Johnson was seen.
The following day, at 6:00 p.m., a police party headed by Detective Inspector Kirk Roache of the Spanish Town Police proceeded to Job Lane where they found Johnson breastfeeding the toddler. She was taken into custody and charged with child stealing and abduction.
SERIOUS TEMPTATION
When she appeared in court, she told RM Lorna Errar Gayle that she was guilty with explanation. She explained that she wanted to take back the baby to the mother, but she had been tempted to keep it instead. This remark was greeted with much laughter in the court. She also added that in March of this year she lost a child and had only wanted one to replace that child. The RM then indicated to the court that the case would be sent to the High Court.
Attorney-at-law Carlton Callman decided to appear for Johnson as a friend of the court. The judge endorsed the lawyer's desire to represent Johnson. He then applied for bail. He told the court that even though the case is a serious one against his client, under the circumstances and the emotional trauma that she must have felt, having lost her child, he thought that bail would be appropriate. The judge granted his request and gave Johnson an October 26 date to return, on condition that she report to the Spanish Town Police Station on Mondays and Fridays.
