Accused thief to spend another Christmas in jail

A Corporate Area man who has been in custody for the past two years will have to spend the Yuletide season in custody to allow him time to make restitution to the complainant, from whom he stole a Samsung cell phone and a laptop.

"Where is the loot? Where is the money for the complainant? I think the complainant should be compensated," the judge told Demoy Pennington after he pleaded guilty to one count of larceny by trick.

The court heard that the complainant was on Tinder where she met the accused. The two decided to meet in person on January 15 at Clock Tower Plaza, St Andrew. Afterwards, they drove to Stony Hill and stopped at a convenience store, as Pennington told the complainant that he was thirsty and asked her to buy a bottle of water for him. The complainant exited the vehicle and went into the store, leaving her handbag. Upon returning, she realised that Pennington had left.

The complainant said she lost US$1,000 (approximately $154,000), a pair of eyeglasses valued at $50,000, a cellular phone, a laptop and $57,000 in cash.

Pennington, through his legal aid attorney, indicated to court that making restitution would not be practical. But the judge was forthright that Pennington should make compensation for actions. He was remanded in custody until January 15, 2024, when he is to be sentenced.

- T.T.