Opportunist thief jailed despite mental health issues

(CNS): A George Town man with serious mental health problems was remanded in custody on Monday in connection with the theft of two pieces of jewellery in the wake of a New Year’s Day hold-up until his case can be heard in the mental health court. Don Nixon, who also has a number of medical problems, has been waiting for over a year for a report to state whether or not he is fit to plead in connection with another case. He will be held at HMP Northward until the courts can decide what to do with him. Nixon is accused of stealing a watch and a gold chain from Diamonds International in the confusion which followed a daylight robbery Wednesday.

Nixon was arrested and the jewels recovered immediately, having been caught on CCTV. He had made no attempt to disguise himself or hide while he allegedly helped himself to two items from smashed cabinets, which he took home and handed to a neighbour. He later admitted taking the jewellery during a police interview. The crown objected to a bail application by Prathna Bodden, Nixon’s defence attorney, before hearing about the defendant’s health problems.

Bodden argued that there was nothing sophisticated about the crime her client was accused of and pointed out that he took the items in full view of the security cameras, in front of the police commissioner and had nothing to do with the actual robbery.

Bodden said her client was in need of medical and professional assistance and indicted that he would not receive any of the support he needed in jail. However, the magistrate raised some concerns about giving Nixon bail and said the case needed to be dealt with in the mental health court where, if Nixon was granted bail, it could be under the supervision of professionals.