Ambassadors fruits stolen

The Republic of China on Taiwan has been of tremendous help to St Vincent and the Grenadines over the years, and one man set out to jeopardize all that last Saturday afternoon.{{more}}

Dwight James, 36, pleaded guilty on Monday at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court to stealing 15 coconuts, 27 Avocados and a number of mangoes from the residence of the Taiwanese Ambassador, Leo Lee at Arnos Vale.

Senior Magistrate Donald Browne fined James $350 in one month or in default, he will spend three months in jail. He was also ordered to pay compensation of $144 for the stolen fruits.

“The people of Taiwan have done so much to help St Vincent and the Grenadines and you go and steal their fruits? You should be ashamed,” Magistrate Browne chided.

The court heard that on August 22, Police Constable 191 David of the Calliaqua Police Station was traveling along the public when he saw James walking away from the ambassador’s residence with coconuts which he was about to place in a nearby cart. Apparently recognising David, James ran and the police officer gave chase but James managed to flee the scene. However, David managed to nab him the following day.

In his explanation to the court, James said he using a weed whacker to cut a nearby lawn when he saw the fruits hanging by a branch over the fence of the ambassador. “I see dem hanging over so I jus go pick dem, me ain go in the yard,” James explained.(KW)