Three brothers who launched a violent attack on two Concord women and one of their boyfriends last year have been punished by the High Court.
Jamal Thomas, 26, Ransom Thomas, 29, and Rodriguez Auguiste, 30, pleaded guilty yesterday to burglary with the intent to cause bodily harm to Nakita and Gabriella Seraphine when they appeared before Justice Birnie Stephenson-Brooks.
Jamal Thomas was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He will actually spend six months in jail after which he will be bound over to keep the peace.
His two brothers Ransom Thomas and Rodriguez Auguiste were sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
They will also pay $3,000 in nine months or they go to jail for nine months.
The facts of the case which were presented by state lawyer Wayne Norde said that the incident occurred on Monday, December 14, 2009 and stemmed from an altercation which occurred between the complainants and the defendants’ mother the previous day.
According to Norde, Nakita,23, Garbriella,40, and her two children Ricardo Lee (eight) and Elcana Jean Pierre (nine) were in their yard at 9 a.m. on the said date when Jamal came walking towards their home with a cutlass under his shirt.
The complainants ran inside and attempted to lock their doors and windows but the accused ran into the home through the front door with his cutlass in hand. He then made blows towards Gabriella’s head. She raised her left hand to prevent the cutlass from reaching her head and sustained an injury on that hand as a result. She fell to the floor, Norde said.
The other complainant Nakita, then took the two children and ran outside. The accused left Gabriella on the floor and chased after Nakita with the cutlass.
She ran unto the public road where she met her boyfriend Kerry Shillingford and friend Sheridon Burton. The accused struck Burton with the cutlass above his left eye. At that time Nakita was standing close to the defendant, the prosecutor said.
Shillingford then took stones and threw after the defendant but none of them hit him. Jamal then went behind Shillingford who ran to his jeep. The defendant attacked him there and cut the jeep.
Shillingford subsequently drove away.
While this was happening, the defendant’s two other brothers, Ransom and Rodriguez joined in by throwing stones.
Nakita and Gabriella then ran back into her house and called the police. They locked all their doors and windows at that point, Norde said.
The men then approached the house and Rodriguez attempted to open the sliding door but Nakita held unto it. Jamal then took his cutlass and smashed the door. His brothers kicked the remaining glass and they entered the home.
The complainants ran outside with the children again. While running, they saw a vehicle approaching and called for help. When the driver saw the men with the cutlass they drove away.
Nakita then told the children (her cousins) to run. She also began running. The accused pelted stones at her.
“I came to a stop because I could not run anymore. My younger cousins caught up with me…” she stated according to Norde.
At that point Jamal met her, held the cutlass to her neck and grabbed her chin area. At that point she felt like she was already dead, Norde said she told police.
The two brothers then joined them and Ransom told Nakita, “Girl, my family” the prosecutor said.
At that point Rodriguez instructed his brother, “Do not cut her.”
While this happened, her boyfriend returned with his jeep and drove towards the men in attempts to distract them. The motor vehicle subsequently ended up in a ditch and the three defendants left for the bushes after letting Nakita go.
Shillingford ran after them but did not catch up. Police were unable to catch the defendants when they arrived 10-15 minutes later, Norde told the court.
The complainants were brought to the hospital.
The prosecutor said that on that same day, Reginald Celcus Auguiste brought Rodriguez to the Marigot Police Station while the two other defendants surrendered themselves to police the following day.
When questioned by police, Jamal said, “Those people must learn to respect other people.”
The men had no previous convictions, according to the court.
In a mitigating plea, defence lawyer Peter Alleyne sought to give the court an explanation as to the history behind the altercation. He told the court that the defendants mother had been beaten by the complainants and their relatives in an altercation following a United Workers Party Rally in Castle Bruce the previous day.
The defendants’ mother – Theresa Gordon – had made a report at the Marigot police station and had a medical form from the hospital with supporting evidence, according to Alleyne.
“She was brutalized,” the lawyer said.
The defendants, whom Alleyne claimed had been emotionally scarred during their childhood by witnessing their mother being physically abused during serious domestic violence matters, felt the urge to protect her. He asked the court to consider this during sentencing.
He said that the men’s attack was as a result of frustrations that had built up watching persons over the years take advantage of their mother. Alleyne mentioned one incident which happened when Rodriguez was 12 years old. His mother was a single parent who was severely beaten in a domestic violence incident and nothing became of the matter in court.
Alleyne said that sometime later, her face was used on the front page of a local newspaper to show the extent of domestic violence in the country. Alleyne said that on hearing what had recently happened to his mother, Rodriguez went on a hill and witnessed what he claimed were the complainants rejoicing that they had beaten his mother.
He told the court, “We can’t divorce the three boys’ emotional effect of their mother getting beaten on top of what she has already received in her life.”
He said that none of the injuries sustained by the complainants were serious, considering the rage and frustrations that her clients had on the day of the incident. He asked the court to take this into consideration.
The lawyer also highlighted that this was the defendants’ first offense. Ransom, he said, had received psychiatric treatment earlier in his life.
“They were wrong to take the law into their own hands but it was a matter of the issue of their mother,” he said.
Before passing sentence, Justice Stephenson-Brooks said: “I must tell you that my thoughts and feelings are not of emotions this morning, listening to the facts as stated by counsel and the almost emotional pleas by your lawyer.
“Vengeance is never yours. Vengeance belongs to somebody else. The person with the highest power and highest authority…. It’s admirable that you would run to take action for or on behalf of your mother…. Heaven forbid the complainant was able to block the blow. You could have been facing murder or man slaughter,” the judge said.
She later stated, “I have to express my dissatisfaction with your behaviour. We can’t take the law into our own hands; it is not ours to take. What you should have done is find your way to the Marigot police station.”
Justice Stephenson-Brooks added: “We cannot allow this kind of behaviour to prevail in our communities.”
In looking at the defendants she noted, “The problem is I don’t see much remorse before me.”
She described Jamal actions as one who “acted like a crazy man”.
These judges are like clowns. These boys should get about 20 years for what these people went through. If we had the douglas guy and “you follow” there would be no crimes in dominica.
In dominica, the rod was spared and the children are spoiled rotten. It is sad not only for the country but the women who bore these children and refused to take the responsibility of raising them properly.
vengence is mine sayz the lord but the judge still let these men out. what is wrong with the system judge you will face your day you can never see the face.of god. Are you having an affair with one of their sisters? hard luck bro.
I don’t even know what to say after reading this. Are we this uncivilized? What the hell is going on in DA? Cutlass attack still going on? You see, these are the folks who run into the stiff arm of the law in the USA because no leniency is shown for stuff like that. People just think you’re an animal, unable to reason. A Dominican right now facing jail in US for attempted manslaughter, and he didn’t do even half of what I just read here. I guess he thought he was in DA and could still behave the same way. Before folks travel to bigger countries, I suggest you straighten up and fly right. Judge “doh have time for no emotion and sympathy; is good jail in your …..”
@Watcher:
Thank you for your encouraging words. You have said this well about what which will enable us to live a godly Christian life and to assist the youth. They should be our priority to enable them to live better lives.
Whatever our beliefs, whatever our religious affiliation, it all boils down to one thing: Love for God and love for others, in all what we say and do. These make us One in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Residing in Canada as I have matured, grown older, experienced and learned more, without being judgmental, I have noticed that many practicing Christians here lack these as well.
Granted, no one is perfect. There are some who are more perfect than others. It is what we depict to others by which we are judged.
Our Lord said: “I judge by what I see.” He did not say that he is judging anyone but only by what He sees and hears.
It does hurt my heart that some of them claim to love God and want to go to Heaven yet, by their actions, they lack godliness. I have also considered writing a book on godliness.
For those who do not contribute to love, peace, unity and justice, I quote the following:
2 Corinthians 7:2 – Make room for us; we have not wronged anyone, or ruined anyone, or taken advantage of anyone.
Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
God bless you! Have a great, peaceful day!
@PUNISHMENT:
Be positive. I never cry down Dominica. I am shocked about what is occurring in Dominica.
I am proud to say where I am from. When I came to Canada people would ask me the same question. I replied, from Dominica. Many in those days never heard of Dominica and would ask if it is Dominican Republic. I would explain to them and give them a brief history of Dominica and why it was called Dominica, discovered on a Sunday.
There are those who would refer to the cost of living being low and that Canada’s cost of living is higher. I call them ignorant people who do not think before they talk and who do not know what they are stating. They did not have a clue that Dominicans from all walks of life migrated for various reasons and I would not call Dominica a poor country.
Today I am wiser through my experience residing in this country. I do not hear any reference to “the cost of living”. If I heard that I would point out that every country has the rich, the well-to-do and the poor. Every country has its share of problems, illegal drugs, crimes and murders. The more populated, the more crimes there will be.
Furthermore, as the years progressed and with television and Internet and the type of movies which are shown, some very violent ones, people have learned more about crimes.
As unemployment increased, some people have become more desperate for money.
As godliness increased, some people who are under the yoke of Satan have become worst and turned to crimes of every nature.
For those who reside in Florida, as I hear on CNN/HLN, crimes, murders, rapes, abduction of adults, specifically women and children are also on the rise. Those stories could make me cry.
For those who reside in Canada, Europe and other parts of the U.S., there are crimes of every nature.
There is no safe place in the world. The only safe place is Heaven which we must strive for.
Dominica is a smaller country and I do think that these crimes could somehow be decreased.
I have stated that in view of the current situation of increasing crimes, the government should assist the youths.
Parents are no exception in nurturing them from the moment they are able to comprehend to adolescent to adulthood. Keep in mind that, in most cases, children do learn from examples and the type of nurturing they received.
The Education Board should play a part in educating them about love and respect for others. In so doing, they may become better, useful and law-abiding citizens.
There is no doubt that the youths need to be assisted and guided from a young age.
From reading about sentences which are handed down in Dominica, I have concluded that the sentences and punishment do not fit the crimes committed. The law-makers must revamp their judicial system. I state this with no prejudice or criticism but in the interest of all Dominicans who must be protected from crimes, etc and their outcry. Every one would like to live in a country where it is safe, in peace and practically crimeless. The government should pay heed to their concerns and do something about it.
Finally, we know that there is a God above who knows, sees and hears all things and whom nothing is hidden from and who cannot be deceived. If we do our utmost to live a relatively godly Christian life and pray to God for His divine protection, we will be protected from the wiles of wicked people and criminals.
@Truth, Justice and Peace: Go for it Sir or Madam. This is what I am speaking about. Do the counselling and come back and contribute. I am doing my own back here in Dominica together with some spiritual nuturing. We are nought without the Heavenly Father and everything we do should have the first leaning on the Everlasting Father.
I want to quote from your article ” we realize the importance of living at peace with others and trying to avoid disagreements, quarrels and other incidents which can be harmful and which could contribute to injury and murder”. This is very important and the whole book of 1st Peter speaks about that peace which is needed in our every day living so we can be at peace with everyone. This is a requirement from our Creator and to be able to do his will.
It is sad that a lot of our young persons (indeed it is hurtful) are heading down the drain of destruction and those of us who know better having been redeeemed by the Love of our Heavenly Father, and also criticized immensly by those who do not understand what true love is, are actually encouraging them to go in this destructive path. The remarks and comments made by some of us are really contributing to the chaos that is in our Nation and societies. We spew hatred and envy everyday. We actually confuse the young minds as we go about slandering, lying, vilifying and you name it our brothers and sisters. Wehen we display those attitudes, do we expect the young ones to behave better? They actually accept this as the norm in society. We have no compassion towards one another and as you have rightly said we rejoice whenever misfortunes befalls others. When they make the same mistakes over and over because we protray a revengeful society, we continue again spewing hatred and then want to be Judge , Jury and Executioner. It is always good to be such when the person affected is not members of our own family. Alas it is another story when it hits right home. I say all of this so we can look within ourselves and ask some serious questions. Some could be as follows:- Am I contributing to this madness by my very actions? Could I have done something to prevent what is happenning? Do I turn a blind eye and say it is not a member of my family? Remember our children mingle with the wider society on a daily basis at school and play. What happens in our Lovely Nation is allof us business since the evil can hit someone in our family directly or indiretly. Do I being a christian or more importantly a servant of the Most High think that I am better than those who are daily stumbling that I cannot help them come up or do I by my tongue profess that they will remain there and look the other way?
True love is one that when you look at our young people and others, you see in them the likeness and the image of our Father who loved so much. You see the young men and women as your own especially when you have given birth to children, in my case five (5). You also see them as such even when they have made mistakes and it grieves your heart being a mother as well. and it also grieves you for the family since this is someones child and maybe families are hurting and hiding their emothions. Every paros, mentally ill person, drug addict has a mother and father and I know that it grieves our Heavenly Father as well since he does not want not one of us to perish.
People let us do more action. Be role models and nurture our young ones – not just our own but their friends. Show some love towards them. The love that some may lack at home can be found and who say that you cannot make a difference in a young persons life. Speak to them, listen to them. Do not compromise and advise them in the truth. Be honest with them.
When they are wrong, tell them so with love. Teach them not to be selfish. Selfishness is one of the main evil in our society. Be positive in front of them and teach them to be positive.
Finally let us give praise, glory, thanks and all that is due to our Heavenly openly so we can equate our talk with our actions and love others even when they may be imperfect. (Were not all born imperfect by the sins of our first parent?) Then we can help them get over their imperfection using the good book and words to emphasise the Creators commandments.
Blessing to all our readers,
So he knew what it felt like emotionally for someone to attack his mother at a young age…yet still he attacks a mother infront of her children?
A first time offender who stole a backpack spent almost 3 years at Stock Farm, yet, offenders who commit such violent crime are getting away. It is not just this case that justice is not served…….My question is what is wrong with the Magistrates and Judges here? I am baffled!!
WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE HER LADYSHIP A ONE WAY TICKET OUT OF MY LAND PLEASE? THIS WOMAN JUST AIN’T HELPING.
@PUNISHMENT:
thats really sad i dont see the point of going back to dominica.
THE SAD STORIIES ON THIS WEBSITE MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE WHAT THE HELL IS THERE TO GO BACK HOME TO, WE DCANS WILL HAVE TO START DOING LIKE JAMAICANS AND RETIRE IN FLORIDA BECAUSE OF FEAR TO RETURN
USUALLY PEOPLE ASK ME WHERE AM I FROM WHEN THEY HEAR MY ACCENT. THE NEXT TIME I WILL RESPOND’ I AM FROM A COUNTRY WHERE CRIME IS WELCOME, PLAY CRAZY AND YOU WILL BE FREE, A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN TAKE YOUR CHILDREN ON VACTION AND MURDER THEM AND STILL BE BROUGHT TO THE FUNERAL, A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN MURDER YOUR WIFE AND THEN SAY SHE PROVOKED YOU AND GET TEN YEARS, A COUNTRY WERE DRUG DEALERS DON’T GO TO JAIL BUT GET FINED, A COUNTRY WHERE YOUR CAN RAPE A COW AND PAY A FINE, A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN TOUCH A CHILD INAPPROPRIATELY AND GET 6 MONTHS, A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN ………….AND THE LIST GO ON
hmmm, that sounded like dem men were suffering from mad cow disease wi, and that they getting as punishment awa. they could’ve killed how many people in that few mins. sometimes i wonder how the law operates based on crime and punishment.
I see nothing to be proud of here. I would jail the prosecutor for neglect of duty but that is me.
Can anyone explain to me why it was not seperate charges of attempted murder, insightment to violence, trespass, unlawful entry,assult with a deadly weapon and the likes? Even if i am wrong on a few I see no reason why it was not attempted murder!
I mean if that is the best they could charge them with, the wild west mentally will take root sooner or later.
This charge is ridiculous. A shamed man has to pay for a cow he supposedly violated and he is expected to spend a lot more jail time than these boys if he doesn’t pay …. Come on!
Rodriguez you should humble yourself because remember what shame you put Dominicans in in Cuba. Our honorable PM had to bow before Fidel Castro to free you for planting marijuana in the people’s country and still writing a book to teach the people how to plant it. You have to reason to do what you did, vengeance is God’s own. You got a second chance in life to put yourself together and look at what you doing to yourself.
people like that dont belong in society.
I know this family personally, and i have never heard of that family brutalising d mother..so i dont think dere is any basis on das story at all…i know dem guys and dey tink dey are bad boys and people should b afraid of them..i grew up in dat neighbouhood and never did we have did craziness..it was one of the safest communities to ive in cus were like one big family and still are..u dont go about behaving like this and expect to get away wid it…and i respect both families…these guys acted like animals and whatever dey were on at d time dey need to stop!
&& Look some lyiin people wut hell beat up ! . Your mother look her trouble she get what she needed. now u want to go in dem ppl house mash up dey Glass door and still want to cut them ppl in dey “HOME” ? ALL U SURE ALLU HAVE GOOD HEAD???…… GOD WILL DEAL WITH ALL U !!!!!
Thanks to the Internet and DNO, Dominicans abroad are made aware of what is occurring in their land of birth/homeland.
These situations are shocking to hear and read about although they have always occurred from way back when. They really should not surprise but still do.
As the song: “What the world needs now is love sweet love.”
Why can people not get along?
Why are there so many trouble makers in the world?
Why do they think that injuring others is the solution?
Why is it necessary to take a cutlass or gun and then go after your fellow men? There are so many “whys.”
I suppose that the man was angry to see others rejoicing over his mother’s injuries. What he perceived could have been as a mark of provocation. He could not contain himself and thought that he would retaliate.
If he is a practicing Christian and is, at least, somewhat versed in Holy Scriptures, he should know what Our Lord said about retaliation: “You have heard it said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but I said, not so.” The saying: Think twice before you act.”
Common sense should dictate that people should never rejoice at the injury of others or at their misfortune for who knows whose turn will be next.
There are those who will also rejoice at the death of someone.
There are also those who will rejoice if others lose their jobs, their businesses or went bankrupt.
These are not Christian-like actions.
It appears that society lacks God’s compassion and mercy.
God is taking note.
Whatever the man’s reason for getting so angry to the point of going after the women with a cutlass, it appears that he meant not only to injure them but to murder them. There is no excuse for this. He went out of his way, trespassed on their property and into their homes. He depicted that he is one angry man.
People with all their faculties would not do such a thing. Excuses are not acceptable unless he is mental. Then, he needs to be placed in a mental facility and treated accordingly.
I do feel due to the nature of what occurred these young men should have received longer prison sentences. He may not have the money to pay the fine. If not, he will be imprisoned. Why not give him a prison sentence rather than charge him? After he completes his prison sentence and hopefully with good behaviour, then he should be rehabilitated. This is worth a try.
I do feel for the young people, some of whom did not receive appropriate nurturing. This makes me feel that I wish that I could do something for the youth, right from school to educate them about discipline, respect for others and according others their due rights and dignity. This would be called, “a society to be transformed”.
The Society of Canadian Bishops wrote an article about this a few years ago which pertains to aggressiveness and domineering. I have a copy of it.
I have been told many times that I should have taken a course on counseling. I wished that I had taken this great advice a few years ago. However, where there is life, it is never too late. It would be a relevant course on Adult and Child counseling would be my aim if I took such a course.
Dominica is a small island in comparison to the US, Canada and Europe. Today, the trend is more so than ever, “do good to your neighbor – everyone”. There are those who are striving for peace and who generate love to others. God is transforming some people but that road is long and with many mortal and spiritual obstacles.
Granted, Dominica, as other countries, has not been immune to such accidents. As we grow older and mature, we realize the importance of living at peace with others and trying to avoid disagreements, quarrels and other incidents which can be harmful and which could contribute to injury and murder.
We may to be able to avoid them for where there are people of every nationality, race, color and creed with different mentality, problems could ensue. With the help of God, always asking Him in fervent prayer for His guidance, enlightenment and protection, we may be able to avoid them.
It hurts my heart that some youth expend their time in idleness and futility. As the saying: “Satan finds some mischief for idle hands to do.” I add to it, “idle minds and feet.” Possessed by the spirit of this cunning one, they create havoc and are a menace to society.
I read on DNO that there is an organization or some people who are trying to assist the Dominican youth and to rehabilitate them and that the government promised to assist but has not yet done so. Everything takes effort and funds. I do think that the Prime Minister should financially assist them and make this one of his priorities. In time, Dominicans will benefit from this effort.
If there is an organization that also Dominicans abroad should assist, this is definitely one of them. If we love our countries so much then we should do something for especially the youths.
The youths are the future adults. They need help of every nature to become useful and law-abiding citizens, be it that they found themselves in trouble. It is imperative that they are assisted to live a normal, law-abiding and useful life. Dominican nationals of all will be the beneficiaries.
Mortals only live once and how the time flies. The inevitable day will come when we close our eyes, even when we least expect it and we face God for our eternal judgment, we will have to give Him an account of how we spent our time, our funds and what we have done and said on this earth – our works.
We must utilize our time to the fullest to always do good.
God bless Dominica and nationals. May God with the prayers and help of Dominicans assist the youths of Dominica.
…and yeh! Some guy had a session with Ms. Beff and they gave him a harsher sentence.
ALLEYNE…………….U CANNOT HAVE A MOTHER SISTER OR A DAUGHTER………….CAUSE U R HEARTLESS……….JUST IMAGINE SOMEONE HOLDING YOUR SISTER AT CUTLASS POINT CUTTING YOUR MOTHER………TELL ME WHAT U WOULD HAVE DONE………BTW SHOW ME THE SCARS OF THE SEVER BEATING THE MOTHER GOT FROM THE LADIES………….U ALL ARE SUCH LIARS……!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dominica has become the land of excuses…Commit a crime, get an attorney or quack, say that your behavior is as a result of this and that; and bam, you are excused from your crime. You are given a pat on the head, and a word of caution from the judge. These are grown men. If there were some issue with their mom, they should have gone to the authorities.
How do we take back what use to be wonderful?
This sounded like a story book or war zone , dammm
oh please that woman and her kids lied
I understand how emotional people can get at the thought of their mother being attacked. That is no reason to get on like an animal. This was so pre-meditated. He took a cutlass, put under his shirt, went to the person’s home, entered their house, attached one, chased the other onto the public road and returned with his brothers. They broke and entered the people’s house a second time. Do you have a brain? Do you think at all? Are you nuts? And yet, you get a lighter sentence than cokay beff. This is not right!!