Melville Harris, Freelance Writer

Two alleged homosexuals yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of gross indecency when they appeared in the Black River Resident Magistrate's Court.

The two, 44 year-old Joseph Tate of Frome in Westmoreland, and 19 year-old Jason Watson of Waterloo, Santa Cruz, were picked up by the police on Monday night.

The court heard that while on regular patrol in the Santa Cruz area, a white Toyota Corolla motor car was seen parked in a secluded area along Centre Road.

Upon their approach, two men were seen in a compromising position in the back seat of the car.

The police further stated that they had to escort the men from the area when a large crowd converged on the vehicle.

When the men appeared in court, they admitted that they were bisexual. Tate was sentenced to nine months hard labour, while Watson was sentenced to nine months, suspended for two years.

This is the first incident of its kind to appear in St. Elizabeth.