JUTC driver in St Catherine accused of stealing fuel freed

A Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) driver accused of stealing a large quantity of petrol from a bus was today freed in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Scotland Johnson was charged with simple larceny.

When the matter came up before Parish Court Judge Kahon Lamey, it was revealed that the Crown failed to establish a case of guilt against Johnson in the matter.

In her summation, the judge said there were inconsistencies in the Crown's case, thereby freeing Johnson.

His attorney, Oral Myles, said he was pleased with the result, as from the onset, his client declared his innocence in the matter.

"He can now move on with his life, as he has not been working since the commencement of the matter," Myles said.

The Crown had alleged that about 6:50 p.m. on January 29, 2025, Johnson drove a JUTC bus to Lakes Pen in St Catherine, where he sold 290 litres of petrol valued at $51,000.

He was taken into custody and, following further investigation, he was arrested and charged.

During the trial, there were discrepancies in the evidence where the tracking of the bus was concerned.

Johnson made numerous court appearances in the matter.

- Rasbert Turner

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