Man found not guilty of stealing own car ... Public Defender to investigate serious breaches

Janoy Newton who was falsely accused of receiving a stolen motor car wept openly in court after he was freed in the St Catherine Parish Court yesterday.

Newton was freed after investigations revealed that he was wrongfully charged by the police.

Arlene Harrison Henry, the Public Defender, having been contacted by The STAR yesterday, said there appears to have been "some serious breaches" and promised to investigate the matter.

"We are more than ready to do an investigation and to ask the court to furnish us with the relevant information," Harrison Henry said.

In court yesterday, Parish Judge Alicia McIntosh and Clerk of Courts Ronief Lawrence apologised to Newton for the hurt and indignity he suffered as a result of his arrest.

It was bourne out that from the onset there was no case for Newton to answer as the accused had given documents to the police to prove he lawfully bought the vehicle he was accused of stealing.

Allegation before the court are that on May 12, 2013 Newton was accused of stealing a 1991 Toyota motor car. The court was told that he provided documents to show that he legally purchased the vehicle for $195,000 from the previous owner. However, he was charged with receiving stolen property and placed before the court.

Newton made numerous court appearances and maintained his innocence throughout his trial.