By Barbara Gayle, Staff ReporterTHE SURETY who was remanded in custody for the police to investigate allegations that he was forced to post a $3 million bail bond for a murder accused who absconded, was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $5 million with one to three sureties.
Lester Barcoo, businessman, of Corletts Road, Spanish Town, St. Catherine is to return to the Home Circuit Court on March 5 when it is expected that he will pay the $3 million or a substantial portion of it.
Attorney-at-law George Soutar who is representing Barcoo, told the court yesterday that his client had $500,000 but Mr. Justice Donald McIntosh said Barcoo would have to pay the entire sum.
Barcoo was first summoned to court in October last year and ordered to pay the $3 million bond. He explained to the court then that he did not know the accused Andre Hinds, labourer, of Metcalfe Road, Kingston 13, before August 13 last year when he bailed him. He said two men had pressured him to bail the accused. He said he did not know the Justice of the Peace who signed the documents, recommending him as a fit and proper person to bail Hinds.
Mrs. Justice Hazel Harris offered Barcoo bail in October last year in the sum of $100,000 with a surety and ordered him to return to court with the money.
When Barcoo appeared before Mr. Justice McIntosh last week Friday, he said he did not have the money to pay. The judge on being informed of Barcoo's allegations, remanded him in custody and ordered the police to investigate the matter. The judge also ordered the police to take the Justice of the Peace to court. Barcoo had used his land title to bail Hinds.
A bench warrant has been issued for Hinds, otherwise called 'Swallie,' who is charged with the murder of Kean Gardener.
