Blind deportee caught stealing at UWI
A visually impaired deportee from England is in trouble with the law after he was caught stealing folding chairs from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, earlier this month.
Donovan Smith, 49, who claims to be a phone technician, pleaded guilty to the charges of simple larceny and being in a restricted area when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday.
The court heard that Smith was caught on the campus on February 2, at about 8:30 p.m., putting the folding chairs in a large garbage bag.
"I wanted to make myself more presentable and known, so I began giving out my contact information cards because I do phone repairs," he claimed.
He added that he was only taking the chairs so he could seat people and demonstrate how easily he could repair their phones.
Upon hearing the explanation, Judge Andrea Collins questioned whether Smith was abusing substances. He initially admitted to being a heavy drinker, but Judge Collins insisted that his actions seem to stem from another problem.
A family friend of Smith later indicated to the court that Smith also uses cocaine.
Smith admitted that he needed help for his addiction, saying, "I am ashamed and sorry." The matter was transferred to the Drug Court for mention on Wednesday.