Man fined for taking 'Chinese' boots

An employee who was fingered in the theft of a pair of work boots owned by a Chinese colleague, also employed to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), was fined $13,000 or 30 days' imprisonment.

Julio Brown pleaded guilty with explanation when the matter was called up in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court yesterday.

He was charged with stealing a pair of black 'electrical shoes' (special shoes that are used in areas where the potential for electric shock is high).

Brown told the court: "I was working and they say I needed one (pair of electrical shoes). I saw some old boots thrown down and I took it up and started to work in it. Is me wear it to the office when dem call me."

The court heard that on the day in question, one of the Chinese workmen left the shoes at the door and when he woke up, he couldn't find them.

The court was told that security cameras were checked and Brown was spotted removing the shoes, and when called in front of the owner he was wearing the hard boots.

The police were then called in.

Parish Judge Shansia Burrell told Brown: "Foolishness will cost you. You have to pay for foolishness so that you never see what does not belong to you and borrow it again."

Brown was fined and a fingerprint order made.