A JAMAICAN national who was arrested in San Fernando on February 23 when he and another Jamaican man allegedly attempted to rob a clothing store in the southern city was charged yesterday morning, even as a writ of habeas corpus was filed on his behalf.

It came up before Justice James Aboud in Court 15 of the Port of Spain High Court.

The suspect, Glenroy Francis, of Jamaica, allegedly stole $3,000 from Riad Attieh, the store manager of the Detour Gents San Fernando branch on the afternoon of February 23.

He was later held by passers-by and vendors.

Up to last Friday, however, he had not yet been charged, and his attorney, Vashist Maharaj, filed the writ of habeas corpus.

Hearing began at 11.30 a.m. and Francis was brought to court, but moments before the hearing got underway, Maharaj received a notice that charges had been laid against Francis by officers of the San Fernando CID.

As a result, Maharaj told Justice Aboud that he needed to withdraw the writ as the charge had been laid which, in effect, rendered the writ null and void.

Justice Aboud agreed with Maharaj on his submission that the writ be withdrawn, but before dismissing the court, he stated openly that he could not understand the delay in charging Francis.

He said he also found it strange that Francis was sent before him (as ordered by the writ), but none of the officers who arrested him were within the precincts of the court.

Justice Aboud said openly that he may have to consider making an order against the Commissioner of Police to pay the costs attached to yesterday's proceedings.

Francis is expected to appear before a San Fernando magistrate tomorrow.