A Sri Lankan accountant who allegedly overstayed his time in the island because he did not want to leave his son who was studying at the University of the West Indies, Mona, had his bail revoked when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.

The accused is to stand trial on October 27.

Reports are that he arrived in Jamaica on October 14, 2012 and was landed for 90 days ending in January 2013. He was granted a further extension to November 16, 2013.

However, he was denied another extension and was served with a denial notice by Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency on October 17, 2013. He was instructed to depart the island, which he failed to do.

When he was arrested and cautioned he reportedly said: “I wish to stay until December for my son’s graduation.”

On Monday when the accused appeared in court, his attorney made an unsuccessful application for the return of his passport that was seized during the investigative process.

“I believe every effort is being made to stretch out this thing until his son is finished,” Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey said before revoking his bail.

“He’s finished,” his attorney replied.

“He wants his passport to buy a ticket and jump on a plane,” Pusey said. “You cannot do that, we are more than just a beach.”

She added: “When he came he had no status. I gave him bail to sort out himself. He had done nothing, and now he wants to go home when his son has finished UWI. He has no status, I will not be manipulated.”

(Jamaica Observer)