Batteries thief gets six months suspended sentenced

A man from Richland Park was given a suspended sentence after he stole two vehicle batteries from his workplace.

Kevin Navin Maloney appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on Monday, September 30, 2024 where he pleaded guilty that on September 15, 2024, at Kingstown he stole two 12- Volts AC Delco batteries valued EC$975.50, the property of Massy Stores SVG Ltd.

The facts are that the virtual complainant is the security supervisor at Massy Stores. The company has three branches at three different locations namely- Arnos Vale, Stoney Grounds, and Kingstown.

The security supervisor oversees the security operations for all branches. The company owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Canter Truck that is used for delivery and storage.

Maloney was an employee at the Kingstown location. On September 14, 2024, around 4:00 p.m, the truck was parked at the area alongside the building in the vicinity of the National Insurance Services parking lot.

Around 8:09 a.m on September 15, 2024, the security supervisor received a phone call from the night security enquiring about two truck batteries which were missing.

On the following day, at around 8:30 a.m the security supervisor went to work and made checks of the truck and around the compound.

He ascertained that the batteries were missing. Checks were made of the business CCTV footage where a man dressed in dark-coloured clothing was seen visiting the area around 4:04 a.m on Sunday, September, 15, 2024. He appeared to be empty handed.

A few minutes later, the man left the area with what appeared to be two batteries, then proceeded to Sharp Street, Kingstown.

CCTV footage in the area revealed that the man continued through Middle Street and headed to the area of Lewis Pharmacy.

The man, who was later identified as Maloney, then placed the items in the trunk of Motor Vehicle PK125, which belongs to him.

He was taken into custody and was informed of a report that was made against him. He was also cautioned and interviewed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace.

He volunteered a statement in writing admitting to the offence. As a result, a search warrant was executed at the home and premises of Maloney, but nothing was found.

He later informed the police that he sold the batteries to Rozronie Mckie of Richland Park for $400. Investigations were carried out into the matter and the batteries were retrieved in good condition from Mckie.

Maloney was later charged for the offence of theft. After the facts were read, he told the Senior Magistrate that he sold the batteries to buy school books for his children.

He apologized for his actions and said that it was best if he had “stay par me been dey.” Senior Magistrate John noted Maloney’s guilty plea and that he cooperated with the police.

John also considered that Maloney claimed to be experiencing financial issues and sentenced him to three months in prison. However, he suspended that sentence for six months.