James gets six months for theft

A man who purloined over $13,800 worth of household items was sentenced to six months imprisonment on Wednesday August 27th at the Serious Offences Court.{{more}}

Dwight James, 35, a labourer of Pole Yard Arnos Vale told Chief Magistrate Sonya Young that he stole the items from the La Tropical Country Club in Cane Hall between March 4-16, 2008, so that he could use them to make scrap metal and sell it. Some of the items stolen included one four-burner stove, musical equipment, Copper wires, compact discs, one microwave, speakers and other items.

James appeared on Wednesday at the Serious Offences Court and pleaded guilty to the charge laid against him.

The virtual complainant in the matter, Patricia Thompson who is the owner and proprietor of the business, secured the club on March 6 around 8am and left. When she returned on March 14, Thompson noticed that one of the doors of the club was opened and some of the items were missing.

Corporal 128 Brian Archibald of the Calliaqua Police Station carried out investigations into the matter and arrested the defendant. It was said that Archibald met the defendant attempting to transport the stove to a location and when he saw the police, he left the stove and ran. James was subsequently arrested and charged and taken into custody where he admitted to stealing the items. James told the police that he only stole the items to make scrap metal so that he can make a small change.

James, who has 17 previous convictions of a similar nature, told the court that he normally sells aluminum for 50cents a piece and copper for two dollars. “When I melt de ting dem I mek ah raise bout two to three hundred dollars,” he said.

James further added that he did not take all the items mentioned by the police, but it was only when he saw them coming he ran. “I only really take the copper wires ah dem really ah na…since the police meet me carrying the stove I just say I go admit to it and dun,” James added.

A restitution order was made for the stove; however, none of the other items were recovered.(KW)