A man who allegedly stole a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero from former Information Minister Colin Campbel was remanded into custody when he appeared before the Spanish Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Atunku Thompson, an autobody repairman from Linstead, St. Catherine, is charged with larceny of motor vehicle. He was arrested and charged stemming from an incident in August last year when the former Member of Parliament's vehicle was stolen.

The investigating officer told R.M. Lorna Errar Gayle that the police conducted an operation in Linstead on January 15 during which they recovered a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero. The vehicle had its chassis number tampered with and as a result of this, Thompson was taken into custody. The complainant, who had reported the vehicle missing, identified it by the engine number and other personal effects that were left in the vehicle.

He said that the vehicle was stolen on August 23 while it was parked at TGIF, a popular, fast-food store in Kingston.

A concerned-looking RM Gayle asked the former MP if the insurance company had paid for the vehicle.

He replied that the vehicle was covered under third-party insurance. He added that he always found the comprehensive insurance to be a waste of time.

Having heard this, the judge remanded Thompson to reappear on March 7 when the matter would again be mentioned.