By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A magistrate yesterday discharged a coconut vendor who fled to the roof of his grandmother’s Fish Fry stall while handcuffed because he was afraid the officers who arrested him would beat him.
Claude Miller was charged with unlawfully carrying arms after police found him walking around Arawak Cay with a cutlass on November 26.
He was further charged with escaping lawful custody after he ran away from the Arawak Cay Police Station when he was arrested that night.
He admitted both offences during his arraignment before Magistrate Kendra Kelly yesterday.
The court was told that around 11.40pm officers came into the station with Miller, who they had arrested for carrying a dangerous instrument. The prosecution said later that night, he was found sleeping on the roof of his grandmother’s Fish Fry stall, with handcuffs on. After the woman brought it to the attention of the officers, they collected Miller and took him back to the station. When he was questioned in custody, he admitted having a cutlass and said he ran to his grandmother’s stall because he was scared.
Miller told the magistrate he had the cutlass to “chap” coconuts because he sold coconut water and jelly at the Fish Fry. He also said he only ran away because he was scared the officers were going to beat him.
After listening to his explanation, Magistrate Kelly confirmed that Miller did in fact sell coconuts on Arawak Cay, before dismissing his case.
Miller was subsequently discharged.
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