Security guard pleads guilty to stealing from pineapple farm where he was employed

A security guard employed at a pineapple farm in St. Catherine, Jamaica, has pleaded guilty to stealing produce from his workplace. Nicholas Hadlam appeared in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Friday and was convicted of praedial larceny.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle offered Hadlam bail in the amount of $100,000. As conditions of his bail, Hadlam must provide his fingerprints to the police and report to the Linstead Police Station every Friday. His sentencing is scheduled for October 2, and the judge has also requested a social enquiry report.

The incident occurred on July 22 when personnel from Tradewinds Citrus Company observed Hadlam picking pineapples and placing them into a bag at the farm near Bog Walk. When confronted, Hadlam initially denied the theft but later admitted to taking the pineapples. The police were subsequently called, leading to his arrest and charges.

Praedial larceny, the theft of crops or livestock, is a significant issue in Jamaica, impacting agricultural businesses. The court's proceedings against Hadlam highlight the legal measures in place to address such offenses.