Cart man jailed for theft

“This is a case where the defendant bit the hand that feeds him.”

This remark was made by prosecutor at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, police constable (PC) Shamrock Pierre on Tuesday, after Kingstown resident David “Southy” Bennett was sentenced to three months in prison, having pleaded guilty to theft of a quantity of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, totalling $1,500, on July 7.{{more}}

He had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court heard that on July 6, Bennett, a 43-year-old cart operator, was paid $5 to secure a trolley belonging to a street vendor, in Kingstown.

According to the police report, when the vendor returned the following day, at about 7:40 a.m., it was discovered that the trolley was not in the same condition it was left and drinks were missing.

The matter was reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

On July 26, Bennett was picked up by the CID in relation to another matter and was questioned about the vendor’s drinks. Although he denied knowing anything about them, he was charged based on police investigations.

Magistrate Carla James presided.(AS)