By Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

western bureau

A 59-year-old man, who allegedly drove away a car without the owner's consent, was granted bail when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Owen Lawrence of Retreat in Westmoreland was offered bail in the sum of $50,000 and was ordered to surrender his travel documents. He was also instructed to report to the Little London police on Tuesdays and Fridays until the matter is disposed of.

Lawrence was arrested and charged after he was allegedly held in possession of the complainant's motor vehicle.

The court heard that on February 12, the complainant received a phone call and as a result he went to Red Ground in Westmoreland where he picked up the accused man.

The complainant allegedly drove to Montego Bay, and upon reaching Margaritaville on Gloucester Avenue, the accused gave him $500 and told him to buy beers.

Further allegations are that when the complainant returned to where he had parked his vehicle, it was missing.

Subsequently, on February 19, he received a call from the Mandeville Police Station requesting him to come and identify a motor vehicle that they had in their possession.

It is said that the car was seized after a friend of the complainant saw the missing vehicle in Manchester and alerted the police.

Attorney-at-law Dalton Reid will represent Lawrence at his trial on May 2.