Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

A man accused of lingering around an establishment was fined when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with loitering is Donovan Johnson of a Sherlock Crescent, Duhaney Park, St Andrew. He pleaded "guilty with explanation" to the offence.

Allegations are that, on November 28 at approximately 2:20 a.m., upon reaching Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, in the vicinity of the Stages Theatre, police on patrol witnessed the accused man along with another sitting down at the premises. When approached, it is believed that Johnson told officers that he was having a business meeting with a few friends.

The court heard that Johnson failed to "give the police any lawful reason for being there".

Subsequently, Johnson and another, who failed to appear before the court, were arrested and charged.

"What they mean by any lawful reason?" Senior Resident Magistrate (RM) Judith Pusey asked prosecutors.

According to reports, the accused man allegedly told officers that he was employed at the Stages Theatre. However, when checks were made, the claim proved false.

The accused man told the court that he was discussing some business prospects with some associates before the police made their approach.

"I am a registered business person, so I was across at the club and I saw some friends and we were having some drinks and discussing some things," Johnson explained.

Further, the court heard that the accused was allegedly charged for possession of an offensive weapon at the same facility on a previous occasion.

"So he was just hanging out there?" RM Pusey further inquired.

Subsequently, Johnson was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 or serve 10 days in prison.

"Don't go back there, Mr Johnson!" RM Pusey warned.