No mercy for thief who robbed relative

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque could not accept the recommendation of residents living in Cassava Piece, St Andrew, to hand down a non-custodial sentence for one of their own, who admitted to stealing at least US$1,500 (approximately J$231,000) worth of items from his cousin's residence.

"I find it to be selfish of the community, who ask that you receive a non-custodial sentence. They say you pose no risk, but it is almost as if they are saying you are not a threat to them and it is okay. But you have robbed your cousin, someone who has helped you on numerous occasions and I cannot give you a non-custodial sentence in light of that," the judge expressed.

Judge Cole-Montaque was aggrieved further when the social enquiry report stated that the defendant, Jeff Hussey, has benefited previously from the court's leniency, when he was sentenced for simple larceny about three years ago and was ordered to enrol in a course offered by the HEART/NSTA Trust.

"But you did not make the effort to do so," the senior jurist added in disappointment.

Hussey pleaded guilty to housebreaking and larceny in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. It was reported that on September 15, 2022 the complainant securely locked his premises and went to work. It was shared with the court that Hussey was seen on surveillance footage inside the home, taking US $1,080 in cash as well as an Amazon firestick, a Playstation console and four video games, which total US$450.

"How dare you bite the hands of the man that feed you?"Judge Cole-Montaque scolded him. The judge described the offence as serious in nature and stressed that she needed to hand down a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to the society.

Hussey was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment at hard labour, which commenced on November 28, 2022 when he made his admission of guilt.

- T.T.