Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Salt Spring, St James, man, who used expletives to a policeman and escaped from a police vehicle moments later, is to return to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on September 21.

Tim Graham pleaded guilty with explanation to escaping custody and disorderly conduct, guilty to using indecent language and using abusive language when he appeared in court on Friday. However, he pleaded not guilty to assaulting a constable.

The court was told that on July 27, the arresting officer was on patrol on Market Street in Montego Bay when he observed Graham singing a song with expletives. The officer approached Graham and an argument ensued, during which the defendant used profanities and insulted the cop's mother.

Graham was then placed inside a police service vehicle, but he fled while using more expletives. He was eventually held along Harbour Street and was later arrested and charged.

"Why did you behave like that? If you see the officer, you should have a little respect," Resident Magistrate (RM) Sandria Wong-Small told Graham.

"Me never really curse or tell him (the officer) bad word; me never see him," replied Graham.

"So why were you cursing the bad word?" the RM asked next.

"You want to know say, it was me and another youth," explained Graham.

"So why you tell the officer about his mother?" asked Wong-Small.

"Because of how him treat me," said Graham.

"So if you're behaving bad, what should he do, hold your hand and lead you to the car? You are bright and out of order to tell him about his mother," replied Wong-Small. "When the police are doing their jobs, you need to make sure you don't interfere with them doing their jobs," she added.

Graham was then offered $20,000 bail with one surety and instructed to report to the Montego Hills Police Station every Monday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. He is to return to court on September 21, at which time the assault matter will be mentioned, and he will be sentenced on the other charges.