Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Four St Catherine residents who pleaded guilty to trespassing on the works of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company Limited were fined a total of $200,000, or 30 days' imprisonment.

They appeared in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday and were fined $50,000 each.

Those fined are Nerine Watson, Sedene Dunkley, Byron Bent, and Lewis Wright, all of Cashew Way, Charlemont Housing Scheme, in the parish.

Allegations are that on September 2, several Jamaica Public Service personnel, along with the police, swooped down on several residents in the housing scheme.

During the operation, premises occupied by the accused were checked and found illegally connected to the JPS system.

They were subsequently charged with abstracting electricity.

Presiding Resident Magistrate was Natalee Brookes and Clerk of the Court was Venese Murray.