An “exemplary” secondary school student from Campbell who threw a stone and hit Fountain Benjamin of that community, causing him to be hospitalized for three days, was spared the experience of prison life on the condition that he behaves himself for a year.
Ericson Madir, a fifth former who will sit seven Caribbean Council Examination (CXC’s) next year, was told “you’re being given a chance here… an opportunity here to be a productive individual in Dominica…. If you come back here again I’m sending you straight to prison – exam or no exams, CXC’s or no CXC’s!”
Justice Birnie Stephenson-Brooks, in handing down her sentence, also told Madir: “You’re gonna be on your best behaviour. If you see mister on the road and you afraid of him, I think you should get on your feet and run as fast as you can.”
He was sentenced to one year, suspended for one year.
Madir had struck the complainant on the head about noon on January 25 last year. The defendant claimed that his action was because the complainant had threatened to hit him anytime they met.
According to the facts presented by state lawyer Wayne Norde, the incident occurred on the Campbell road.
The judge said that Madir had committed the offense when he was 16 years old – a juvenile. She also mentioned that the complainant had accused him of stealing and has been known to inflict bodily harm on persons.
Justice Stephenson-Brooks said that a social report on the defendant said that the head master of his school described Madir as an exemplary student who does well academically.
His lawyer Darius Jones in mitigation asked the court to use its powers and social control to help Madir to carry on a progressive path that would be beneficial to society. Jones said that his client was very remorseful and throws himself at the mercy of the court.
The defendant was also ordered to pay the compensation of $2,500 in six months. He was asked to apologize to his mother for all the stress caused from the incident during the proceeding, of which he complied.
@Satisfied and sorry
:
He does not come from a Christian home? Explain this. I will not comment further until you elaborate on this.
@NATURE:
Thank God there never was and is any such problem in my household. You know the saying, “There but for the grace of God go I – all of us”. It is by the divine grace and mercy of God that people could live godly and law-abiding lives and that no harm came to them. So far so good.
God does not want only talkers and writers. He also wants doers in His earthly vineyard.
There are a few facts of life which will aid us in this life, to be happy and peaceful and to generate it to others, always with the help of God.
We must always speak the truth and stand up for the truth and what is correct to do and say. This is, to be truthful, fair and just. Never exult ourselves. Never look down on others. Never hate and insult them.
St. Paul said: “Humble yourself before God and He will exult you in due time.” This goes for each and every one of us.
We should always keep in mind that God knows, sees and hears all things and nothing is hidden from Him who does not deceive and who cannot be deceived.
Practice the faith to the best of one’s ability. Do not criticize the faith and devotions of others. Consistently ask the Lord for His divine blessings, graces and protection. Perform godly deeds.
What is also of extreme importance, the manner in which our parents nurtured us. I do concede that some children were well nurtured but somewhere along the line they swayed from this godly nurturing.
I cannot speak for others. I can only comment by what I hear and read about without judging. Therefore, comprehend what I stated.
Let every one examine his/her conscience. Let parents do likewise and ask themselves if they have appropriately nurtured their children.
I know, thanks be to God, my parents did a good job of nurturing/disciplining their children. All are law-abiding people. It is something to be thankful to God and to our parents.
@Truth, Justice and Peace: HOPE U REFLECT ON WHAT U JUST SAID FOR YOURSELF N HOUSEHOLD
@Abroad Citizen: What garbage you talking?What foolishness? So you8 think he has a right to knock out every other person who is not a role model to this guy? Stop making excuses for people’s stupidity. He is lucky not to be given a jail sentence.
@Satisfied and sorry
: that is a very discriminative statement. please be wary of how you apply your words to social standards. some of the greatest of men came from non christian homes. they challenged the negativity they grew up with and chose the right path in the end.
You both got a chance again! Use it wisely. No need to fight people. Peace peace peace!!!!
@sister souljah: my dear you have the wrong person in mind cause this young man although he is quite a nice guy doesn’t come from a Christian home
You know, there is an old saying that says, Never Trouble Trouble until trouble troubles you. Now that young man is calm cool and collective, from what I understand- from the readings and comments. Not that I am condoning violence, but some people look for their own troubles. If that adult man was being a role model to this young man in a positive way, no such thing would have happened to him. But I wish him a speedy recovery. In Jesus name – Amen.
We have all at one time or another given a second chance in our lives. The sentence handed down by the judge is appropriate in this case because the victim wasn`t killed. However we can all learn a lesson from this and think a little more before we act,the outcome could have been worse,Good luck with your exams young man and i wish you all the best in the future….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I don’t know the young man personally but I know his family. He comes from a christian home with very quiet parents…….he was backed in a corner and he felt he didn’t have a choice but to lash back. I bet he will not bother the young man again.
Fountain u need to stop it ur no longer in ur 20’s ur too old for this.
Only in Dominica he would get away with this. He is fortunate that he is given another opportunity since he is an exemplary student. No doubt he learned a good lesson. Nevertheless, he threw the stone at the man. There goes, again, a bad temper. He could have killed him.
This young boy should also receive counseling for anger management. No matter what, you do not take a stone and throw it at someone knowing the harm it could cause and the result of your actions.
When people observe trouble they should immediately walk or run away from it. They should do their utmost to avoid trouble.
He was told to apologize to his mother. He should have been told to apologize to the man, if he is approachable. In this case it could mend the man’s hostility and also change his overall attitude.
alas
boy i am happy for him… he is a respectful and well behaved teenager… he is a prefect at the school and is very hard working… i know that he will behave himself and excel at his examination.. adults tend to want to take advantage of teenagers just because they are younger… i am also glad that it was a stone and not anything else…
killer u doe easy lol
the jugde handed down a good sentence,,,,,now my issue is that how come in d.a the legal system publish the names of juveniles,,,,that should not be done because this can hinder there progress in the future,,,also do thier records get sealed once they reach adults age,,,,,,this should be done to ensure that they can continue a path of progress with no hindrance,,,,,the names of juveniles especially rape victims or other abuses should not be published by the legal system,,,,(can’t blame the media),,,,n school children who are juveniles should not be attending court,,,,prosecution has their statements already why need them in the court room,,,,,u may say to learn a lesson but trust me standing in front of a judge only hinders the rehabilitation process,,,,,,if children are to be in the court room then the public n media should not be allowed in the court room,,,,,,,can u imagine a young girl having to give a rape or domestic violence testimony with the media n public in the courtroom,,,,,,,this is very emberrassing n they may never fully recover from such experiences,,,,,not forgeting the bullies at school and unprofessional teachers who might look down or pick on that particular student
the jugde handed down a good sentence,,,,,now my issue is that how come in d.a the legal system publish the names of juveniles,,,,that should not be done because this can hinder there progress in the future,,,also do thier records get sealed once they reach adults a
I don’t know him but thankk you for giving him a chance…
I once got into trouble and was taken to court the victim and the court gave me a chance …and i can say they cannot refuser it now…i have done very well in CXC 7 subjects including 5 ones…and i am not attending university…and am not even 20 yet…So i hope this young man takes this serious and testify to others about violences and try to influence one person positively…
Ohh also i am thank God that ther victim didn’t die….God be praise….
Seems like a good student who was backed against a corner. He was threatened by the adult. Again people will take the law into their own hands because the public opinion of the law enforcement agencies is very low.
I hope that many lessons will be learnt not only for the student but for all parties involved and our nation.
I HOPE THAT WILL TEACH THAT YOUTH AND OTHERS A LESSON OUR SYSTEM IS TOO MILD…BUT THATS JUST LIFE…LEARN A LESSON FROM THIS YOUNG MAN AND ATAY AWAY FROM TROUBLE NEXT TIME..GOD BLESS YOUR MOTHER