Electronic tag gets in way of work for accused man

(CNS): Although the electronic tagging of defendants on bail awaiting trials has proved a positive resource for law enforcement officials as well as those accused of a crime one young accused man could lose his job because the tags are not waterproof the court heard Friday. Defence attorney John Furness pointed out the difficulties one of his clients faced as a result of working for a local watersports operator when he said the tags don’t allow the wearers to go below six feet in the water. The lawyer also pointed out that the tag was becoming an issue as his employer was concerned about the reaction tourists may have.

Furness said hewould be making an application to vary the bail conditions imposed on Frederick Booth in order to try and save his job.

The idea of tagging defendants who are on bail awaiting trial is to enable law enforcement to keep an eye on suspects while at the same time cutting down on costs to the public purse and also helping those accused but not found guilty of any crime to keep in work and finance themselves. In most cases the bail conditions of suspects who are tagged usually ensure that curfews are lifted during the hours of work to allow defendants to keep their jobs. 

Booth along with a second man has been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm following the discovery of a hand gun and ammunition in the vicinity of Lawrence Boulevard in George Town on 26 March.