Akim Stevens, of no fixed place of abode, appeared at Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face charges of burglary, common assault, and criminal trespassing that stem from allegations that he repeatedly targeted Harrigans Estate woman Hannah Terrett in July and August 2013.
According to the prosecution, Mr. Stevens burglarised Ms. Terrett’s home sometime between July 23 and 27, and then again between Aug. 1 and 4. It was on Aug. 9 when he allegedly trespassed on the complainant’s property and assaulted her boyfriend, Junior Williams, prosecutors said.
The defendant requested that the burglary charges be tried in front of a jury in High Court, and Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards said she’ll make a judgment on that request on Oct. 1.
Also on Tuesday, the trial for the common assault and criminal trespassing charges resumed, finishing with the testimony of Mr. Williams.
During the trial, Mr. Williams said he drove to Ms. Terrett’s house after work. Upon arrival, he said, he saw a man wearing no shirt and no shoes on her front porch, looking into her front windows.
The witness claimed that he hid behind bushes in the front yard to see what the man was doing. After about two minutes, he stood up and confronted the man, who he said was Mr. Stevens.
The defendant tried to run away, but got his foot caught in a four-foot-tall fence, Mr. Williams said. The witness said he then struggled with Mr. Stevens and was able to apprehend him with the help of Ms. Terrett when she came outside.
Neighbours called the police, who arrived about 15 minutes later, he said.
When questioned by police, Mr. Stevens allegedly said that he was “just passing through” the complainant’s property.
Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste-DaBreo, who presided over the trial, said she’ll return a judgment on the common assault and criminal trespassing charges on Oct. 21. Mr. Stevens is on remand for the burglary charges.