News

Caught in a ruse

Man accused of faking his kidnapping to hide affair

A 32-YEAR-OLD man, who police say told his 'baby mother' that gunmen had kidnapped him for a $3 million ransom as a ruse in order to have an affair with another woman, was granted $50,000 bail when he appeared in court yesterday.

The accused man, Luther Reid, was said to have raised an alarm to relatives that three gunmen abducted him from his gate at Edinburgh Avenue in Kingston 10. He said they blindfolded him, thrust him into panel van, led him to an unknown destination, and demanded money for his safe return.

He alleged that he was forced to call his baby's mother and sister, telling them that if the money was not paid he could be hurt. He also contacted a friend, whom he claims had decided to pay $2.8 million dollars after speaking with the alleged kidnappers.

However, police classified Reid's claim as an elaborate ruse as there were too many holes in his story. They said investigations indicated that Reid spent the night at his sweetheart's home in Stony Hill, St. Andrew.

Reid's attorney, Linden Willesby, told Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that his client was pleading not guilty to the charges of creating public mischief as he had, indeed, been kidnapped.

Police alerted

The allegations as read in court were that on Friday, May 28, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Reid disappeared from his home. The Constant Spring police were alerted after relatives said they learnt about the $3 million ransom.

Reid turned up at his gate the following day, Saturday, May 29, at approximately 11:00 a.m., telling tales of being kicked from the van that had whisked him away, and left along the Toll Road, near Old Harbour in St. Catherine. He told police he did not know whether his kidnappers were paid as he was released suddenly.

However, police stated there was no dirt on Reid, his clothing was clean and he appeared to have recently groomed and bathed himself. Following further investigations, instead of arresting his alleged kidnappers, police took Reid into custody on Monday, May 31, on charges of creating public mischief.

"This is a case of a love triangle?" RM Pusey quipped, evoking several snickers in the courtroom.

"Your Honour, he was kidnapped!" Reid's attorney insisted.

The trial is to begin on Thursday, July 22.