By Emily D. Williams
A Batesville man had a grand larceny charge reduced to a joy riding charge during Batesville Municipal Court held Wednesday.

Joel M. Covington, 185 Mt. Olivet Rd., Batesville, was already serving 70 days at his request for old fines. The court agreed he could serve out the joy riding charges concurrent with the days he is already serving.

Last week Detective George Williford explained to Judge Bill McKenzie the owners of the vehicle knew he would return the vehicle and were okay with reducing the charges to joy riding.

Dempsey Cox Jr., 335 2-E, Shamrock, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to open container. He was fined $312.

Ricky L. Henderson, 125 Jackson St., Batesville, entered the city’s work program for nine days in lieu of paying $522 for public drunk and open container.

Andrej K. Kuvers, 223 Vick St., Batesville, had a case for indecent exposure continued until next Wednesday’s court session.

Patricia Brooks, 113-B Patton Lane, Batesville, had old fines of $817 that have been due since March 2013. The judge told her to have her fines paid by May 1 or serve time in jail.

Natalie Whitworth, 3321 Tocowa Rd., Courtland, had a case for DUI-first and expired tag continued.

Melvin Williams, 245 Somerset Dr., Jackson, had a case for DUI and reckless driving continued. He is represented by attorney Helen Kelly.