A fine of EC$1,000.00 has been slapped on a St Joseph man who was charged with breaking into a Starrin and Sons sales bus last week.
Edward Wallace was told by the court that he must pay that fine by March 31, 2012 to avoid having to spend three months in jail.
Wallace appeared before Magistrate Ossie Lewis on Monday where the facts of the case were presented and his sentence handed down.
His charges revealed a theft of over $4,000 worth of goods from the vehicle and the alleged malicious damage of the front door of the bus.
Wallace had pleaded guilty to both charges last week but upon returning to court on Monday, pleaded not guilty to malicious damage. The cost of that damage was $2,270.69.
The defendant had stolen over four cartons of corned beef and several other cartons of oil, mixed vegetables, Sex Drive energy drink, green tea, canned tuna, ketchup, vinegar, green seasoning, peanuts, cheese, cans of corn kernel and many more items, valued at $4,129.43.The incident occurred between January 8-9, 2012 at St Joseph.
It was revealed yin court that $2084. 58 worth of goods had been recovered and that two individuals were still being sought in connection with the crime.
The defendant’s lawyer Bernard Wiltshire told the court that his client was not the one who had actually broken into the bus. He said Wallace had only provided the transportation for the items with his boat.
According to him, on the night of the incident, his client was asleep at home when he was awoken by the two men who did the break-in and theft.
Attorney Wiltshire said the suspects had asked Wallace to transport the items which he was told were smuggled from Guadeloupe.
He explained further that Wallace agreed and brought the goods to a beach on another location.
According to Wiltshire, his client had innocently agreed to help the men not knowing they had just committed an illegal act.
Compensation has been deferred to be reviewed on February 16.
The prosecution has indicated that it could withdraw the malicious damage charge if further investigations reveal that Wallace had not actually damaged the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Wallace promised to help police apprehend the two suspects.
“Next time exercise better judgment. The men come and wake you up at two in the morning, ask questions…” Lewis told the defendant before handing down his sentence.
Lewis described the offense as a serious one. “This was an ambush,” he said.
$50 counterfeit $10,000.00 charge…break in and entering, theft of over $4000.00 and malicious damage(those were the charges handed down to him)but even if they drop the malicious damage..still $1000.00 allu charging d man? awa we
“Twenty-three-year-old Karron Graham of Canefield, who attempted to defraud a bartender at JR’s Bar and Grill with a counterfeit EC $50 bill after ordering two drinks, has been ordered to pay $10,000 in fines or face up to two years in jail for that offense.”
Dominica News Online – Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 1:54 PM
A fine of EC$1,000.00 has been slapped on a St Joseph man who was charged with breaking into a Starrin and Sons sales bus last week.
That’s a nice slap on the wrist for all this damage done to the man’s property, plus theft.
One guy’s trying to get something to eat, the other trying to get stuff to resell and maybe eat, as well. I’m probably blind, or lack comprehension, but that is not just, equal and balanced.
This man is playing innocent. Who in their right sense would really believe his story? He was in bed and sleeping and they woke him up? Was he alone in bed? If not, someone could verify that.
With all respect to the Magistrate (whom I know as a sensible person), why did he not conduct a private investigation or ordered one to be conducted prior to handing down the sentence?
On the other hand if this is true that he was sleeping alone and they woke him up and he did not comply, putting it mildly they could have harmed him.
In addition if he is helping the Police to catch those men and they are aware of it, consider what they could do to him.
Even from afar, my instinct informs me that, this man should not be believed and not so easily. I do not trust him. He may very well have been a direct accomplice to the crimes. They will try to deceive the Court, the Judge/Magistrate, thanks to their lawyer representation. What would some people not to do to evade sentencing, fines and imprisonment?
The fine is not enough. Three months in prison for failing to pay the fine is insufficient.
Yes! It is a serious crime. A fellowman, an owner of a bus and business was vandalized, damaged and his goods stolen. Can anyone repay him for the loss, the shock, the sadness, pain and anxiety he has experienced?
DA Law you must let the punishment fit the crime and do not be so quick to believe a criminal, an accomplice.
If he is imprisoned, it does not matter what his age, he should receive rehabilitation.
If he is imprisoned, it does not matter what his age, he should receive rehabilitation. Every prisoner should have access to it, that, hopefully, they will change and Dominica will become a safe place, a haven, a happy, peaceful and safe one also for visitors whether nationals and business owners, Dominicans who reside or abroad, or other visitors and those who conduct business in DA. This is my dream and hope for my beloved country.
Remember the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have a dream.” This should also be the dream and vision of all DA nationals. It can be done with some effort and also prayers. Nothing is impossible to willing hearts. Those convicts are primarily in dire need of the blessing and grace of God.
Lewis described the offense as a serious one. “This was an ambush,” he said.
I ask Mr. Lewis, what about GON Emmanuel’s case of the fireboming of his house by we all know who?
@ Reader
Why do you not stick to the topic – of this article? Your further comment has absolutely nothing to do with this man and being an accomplice to the theft. Save the rest of your comment and address it at an appropriate time, when the relevant opportunity presents itself.
“According to Wiltshire, his client had innocently agreed to help the men not knowing they had just committed an illegal act.”
I guess smuggling goods from Guadeloupe without paying Custom duties is not an illegal act (smh).
Everything is seems is back-to front or inside-out in this country
“Technicality”!!!
But the writing would be in french not in english. You all have jokes so oil in english is huile in french.
@ DANZIGER
Huile is good French, in French Patois and Creole language too! All in one. Good try and an excellent one.