Browne: “I didn’t pelt any stone. Is box I box him.”

Joel Browne blamed his drunken stupor for causing him to go into Randy’s Supermarket and stealing two cans of hams on April 7.{{more}}

Browne, 48, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 9, and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Information read out in court stated that around 8:00 a.m., Browne entered the supermarket, went to the frozen section and placed the two canned hams in his trousers. Persons working there saw Browne and alerted the security guard.

Senior Magistrate Donald Browne ordered Browne to pay compensation of $100 in one month or spend three months in prison.

He was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Peter Cain of Calder. He pleaded guilty to that charge also.

The court heard that around 8:30 p.m. on March 2, 2012, Browne was operating his cart and picking up bottles in Kingstown when he ran his cart over Cain’s foot. Cain questioned Browne about his actions and he (Browne) picked up a stone and struck Cain on his face, causing him injury to his lip.

In his explanation to the court, Cain said he apologized to the complainant, but noted that he did not strike him with a stone.

“After I tell him sorry, he spit in he hands and slap me. Ah didn’t pelt any stone, is box ah box him,” Browne explained.

He was placed on a six month bond for this charge.(KW)