Thief claims that he’s an honest man

Two Bequia residents were spared a jail sentence after they pleaded guilty to stealing over $6,797.92 worth of items from a Boutique belonging to Angela Hinson, of Belmont, Bequia,{{more}} between July 6 and 9, 2010.

The men: Kevin Davis, 31, of Union Vale, and Jamaul Gregg, 23, of Cemetery Hill, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, before Senior Magistrate Donald Browne.

Among the items stolen were: hats, bags, children’s clothing, rum, whiskey, peanuts, cigarettes, DVD systems, necklaces, among others.

Magistrate Browne placed the men on a one year bond in the sum of $2,500. If breached, they will each have to pay $2,500 forthwith or go to prison for one year. They were also ordered to pay compensation of $3,399 each in two months or spend one year in prison.

The court heard that Hinson secured her store around 4pm on the July 6 and upon her return on July 9, she noticed that the store was burglarised and the items missing. Investigations were carried out and both men were picked up by the police.

Both men told the court they consumed most of the alcohol and burned the clothing.

Gregg explained to the court that he was out of a job and that he has no “links” with anyone from mainland St Vincent to get a job. “I am guilty of the charges and I am asking you for a chance to pay back…” Gregg stated.

Making his plea for leniency, Davis told Browne he is a construction worker and that he’s an honest man. “I am an honest guy. I will pay back the money…your honour I don’t know what fly up in my head,” Davis explained.

Magistrate Browne, in his response, noted that “I have never met an honest thief yet.” Browne chided the duo for their behaviour and told them they would have to pay for their crimes. (KW)