One man’s craving for some chicken and potato fries grew into a reckless decision that landed him in trouble with the law.
Brent Peter of Pointe Michel appeared before Magistrate Michael Laudat at the Roseau District Magistrate’s court on Monday, April 29, pleading guilty to theft. The facts presented to the court affirmed that on Wednesday, April 24, at about 11:00 pm when Pointe Michel native Celine Bruney and her son both retired to their respective sleeping quarters, her son was suddenly awoken by a strange noise. He arose from bed only to find someone inside their home, entering the kitchen, then proceeding to his mother’s bedroom where her cell phone was placed. Upon using his cellphone’s flashlight to confirm who he had seen, he noticed it was Peter armed with a black-handled knife. The accused fled the scene after snatching the cellular device.
The following day, Thursday, April 25, police were contacted when Bruney was unable to locate her cellular phone. Attempts to contact the phone number were met with voicemail indicating that the phone had been switched off. Her son provided information to the police about whom he had seen in the home and they immediately visited and questioned Peter that day. He told the police, “Not me that go in those people place, not me that take phone.”
Police located a knife that matched the description given by Bruney’s son which he (the son) also recognized, to which Peter responded, “I didn’t go in those people place!” He was arrested and informed that he was being accused of theft.
While searching the accused’s pockets, police discovered a SanDisk (SD) memory card which Peter claimed to have found idly in the streets. Eventually, he conceded and admitted his offense to the police, informing them that the cellular phone with the sim card was located in his home and that the SD card found in his pocket belonged to Bruney.
At court, Magistrate Laudat questioned Peter about his actions before sentencing to which he replied, “ I just wanted $20.00 to buy chicken and chips. I was hungry so I ended up going in the house to see if I get a $20.00 and I saw two phones, a big one and a small one. I left the big one and took the small one instead and I went outside.”
Refusing to accept the gravity of his actions, Peter continued to defend, “ I did not come to thief anything, If I had come to steal, I would take the bigger one. I even lift it up and put it back.”
The court erupted in laughter and sounds of disbelief, but the local repeat offender seemed to lack understanding of his offense. He then appeared to show some measure of remorse by stating, “Sorry for stealing in you all country.”
The cellular phone valued at $379.00 and micro SD card at $30.00 (A total value of $409.00), were returned to the Virtual Complainant after it was confirmed to still be in good condition. Peter asked the court once more to have mercy on him as “this was a mistake and I was just hungry.”
However, considering that he was granted a suspended sentence in 2020 by Laudat for a similar offense, Magistrate Laudat replied, “Well I am sending you somewhere you will always get food, even if it means I have to pay for it myself.”
Peter was sentenced to serve 34 months in prison.
Magistrate Laudat that is how it should be done,put those lazy UWP do nothing people away.That is what happens when UWP tell people do not go to work,DO NOTHING.They encourage people to be lazy and steal.
@Lin Clown
You must have several Doctorates in stupidity and illiteracy.
No wonder you called yourself a CLOWN!
I read the above article and did not see anything sugesting that the man was not working, neither did I see labour platy nor UWP.
What I read is that he was hungry, think of it you Labour power unless you have no brain, for the past 20 or so years your Graberment have been exporting jobs from the country the young men who we say fell into the cracks’ can’t get any work
therefore they are BROKE and HUNGRY
While I don’t condone stealing
I think you should stop wearing your ignorance as your barge of honour, I am not the one who said that, it was you own Labour X PM who was indeed a better man than what you call pm today.
It’s people like you who have the country in that condition going down to hell in a RED plastic bag.
I absolutely do not condone stealing particularly when someone enters a home when the occupants are asleep. It must have been terrifying for the homeowners.
All I ask is for drug dealers to be given custodial sentences also. This same magistrate will fine a drug dealer $10,000 for possession of 20 lbs of cocaine and left walk out of the courtroom.
I have no idea why you called yourself Zandoli, but you seem to be much smarter then one.
I agree with you.
Maybe if the dealers are exposed the inporters will be seen.
Good bowling Comrade Laudat. When you do good I praise you but if and when you mess up I will chastise you appropriately sir!
I hope is not for a red woman eh you buying chicken and fries.