The Clerk of Court at the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court had the court in stitches after she declared that Melchezidek was to appear in the court. Many thought Melchezidek would have been an elderly man. But they were surprised to see a teenager answering to a robbery charge.

Melchezidek Byfield, an 18-year-old from Spanish Town, was before the court for robbing a woman at knifepoint in Portmore, St Catherine. He pleaded guilty with explanation to the offence of robbery with aggravation.

"Your Honour, it is the first time in my life it has ever come into my mind to do such a cruel thing," Byfield told the court.

He further explained that his ailing father needed him and he would like to go home.

His request was denied. The Resident Magistrate told the accused he would be remanded until February 11 next year.

Allegations are that on October 5, about 8:40 p.m., the complainant was walking in the company of a friend when she was accosted by the armed accused.

He held on to the complainant's gold chain, pushed her to the ground and ran off with the jewellry.

-R.T.