MONTEGO BAY, St James — A 32-year-old porridge vendor who admitted illegally entering the Western Jamaica Prime Minister’s Office (OPM) to take shelter from the rain was cautioned and released when he appeared in the St James District Court. .

At a previous hearing, Anthony Bingham, of Paradise Crescent, Norwood, was ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment. It was determined that he was fit to plead.

I’m guilty of trespassing and sleeping, ma’am. I am guilty of trespassing and sleeping on the compound,” Bingham said as he pleaded guilty to trespassing in her office before presiding District Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday.

According to court records, on June 18, authorities were called to the property on Delisser Drive in Montego Bay after unauthorized activity was detected by a security surveillance system.

It was later discovered that a side window had been opened and Bingham was found asleep in a room.

“Why did you do this, Mr. Bingham?” asked Fairclough-Hylton.

“Ma’am, I had an injury in my foot and the rain caught me that day. The window was left open,” Bingham replied.

In his mitigation defense, Bingham’s lawyer, Kimeka Peterkin, stated that his client was remorseful and asked the judge to take into account the time he spent in custody.

“Mr. Bingham understands the seriousness of this offense and is deeply remorseful for his situation. He has spent some time in custody and we ask that you take that into consideration in light of the time he has spent in custody,” Peterkin said.

Fairclough-Hylton agreed with the barrister’s statement and then dismissed him before warning Bingham and allowing him to leave the courtroom.