A man who was allegedly discovered with a stolen SIM card in his possession was granted bail when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with receiving stolen property is 19-year-old Kafel McBean of a Rollington Town, Kingston 2 address.

According to the prosecution, on August 19, 2014, it is believed that the male complainant, who is a coach and a teacher at a school, was attacked by two gunmen who reportedly entered a classroom, later relieving him of a laptop computer and a cellular phone.

Some time later, it is alleged that the McBean was observed on the smartphone application WhatsApp, to which he uploaded his photograph. Police personnel, acting on information, reportedly discovered the accused man with the SIM card belonging to the complainant, two days after the alleged robbery.

The court heard that McBean claims to have found the SIM card while walking along a thoroughfare. "There is something in law called the doctrine of recent possession. So if a man is found with an object shortly after it is stolen, that mean is him thief it!" said Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey to the investigating officer in the matter.

McBean's attorney argued that his client was merely walking when he discovered the SIM card, picked it up, and used a cellular phone to utilise the Whatsapp application.

His lawyer further explained that McBean was using the application to talk to a young lady who requested to see a photograph of him, resulting in him uploading one for use as his display picture.

Subsequently, the accused was granted bail in the sum of $50,000 with surety. He was ordered to return to court on February 9 pending a mention hearing.

- B.B.