The Black River Resident Magistrate's Court had to take a short recess yesterday afternoon after an inmate attempted to rob a man during court.

According to reports, the man identified as Timbert McFarlene of a Daisy Close address, Newtown, St Elizabeth, was facing the court in relation to a housebreaking and larceny matter.

After he left the dock, McFarlane sat on the prisoners' bench, which was close to the area where persons attending court were sitting. However, shortly after the accused man went to the bench, a man jump up and shouted "Woi".

back pocket

The court was told by the man that he felt the accused putting his hand into his back pocket, which contained his wallet. The judge asked the man if he wanted to report the matter to the police, however, he declined saying that he did not lose his wallet.

McFarlene who was swiftly remanded in custody, is accused of stealing a Dell laptop and a DVD player from a woman's house.

According to the allegations, on April 15, the accused man pried open a window at the complainant's home, pushed in his hand and opened the back door.

It is alleged that the police went to the home of the accused man where the laptop was recovered. He was arrested and charged. He should return to court where the case will be mentioned on May 5.