Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer
WESTERN BUREAU: A St James woman recently charged in connection with the stabbing death of a businessman at a nightclub in Montego Bay, was offered bail in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court.
Renee Hibbert from Paradise Crescent, Montego Bay, is charged with the murder of Kentley Thomas. She was offered $350,000 bail with three sureties. Her case was set for mention on November 26.
The allegations are that on Saturday, September 13, approximately 5:15 a.m., Hibbert and Thomas were patrons at a nightclub along Gloucester Avenue, in Montego Bay.
It is further alleged that, while at the club, the two got into an argument. During the ensuing brawl, Hibbert brandished a knife and stabbed Thomas in the chest, before fleeing the scene. Thomas was subsequently pronounced dead at hospital, and Hibbert was arrested and charged on September 24.
In court, Clerk of the Court Yanique Henry expressed opposition to Hibbert getting bail on the grounds that the defendant and a number of the witnesses in the case live close to each other.
Same community
“The prosecution has certain concerns, as the witnesses and the accused live in the same community and there may be interference,” Henry told presiding magistrate Carolyn Tie.
But Hibbert’s lawyer, Shelly-Ann Hyman, told the court that her client could relocate to another address for the duration of the case.
“There is a relative in Falmouth, who is willing to accommodate her during this process,” said Hyman.
“I am not minded to entertain the application until that relative is here, because the concerns raised by the prosecution are quite serious,” RM Tie replied.
Hibbert was eventually offered bail, on the condition that she should relocate to Falmouth and have no contact with the witnesses in the case. She was also ordered to report at the Falmouth Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Woman accused of stabbing businessman offered bail
