Confessed thief remanded for insufficient compensation

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque remanded a man in custody for almost two hours on Wednesday in an effort to have more monies paid into court for restitution.

The defendant, Sanan Hunter, is to be sentenced for housebreaking and larceny and receiving stolen property, after pleading guilty to the theft of $6 million worth of construction equipment. He is to make repayment of $3 million, as requested by the complainant. However, Hunter, who is a bearer, incensed the judge as he attended court with far less than the $100,000 which she ordered. Hunter previously paid $40,000 and brought an additional $50,000 to court yesterday.

"The complainant is not in a better position. I am not impressed at all that he has failed to even pay $100,000, so maybe I need to give him a little motivation in the way I know how. When I say 'Sir, defendant go and get the money and I am putting you on bail to do that', the success rate is not as strong as when I remand him. Let me give him two nights and see how much money he comes with on Friday," the judge indicated.

Hunter's attorney-at-law Matthew Simms pleaded to have the matter stood down to facilitate efforts by Hunter's relative to have additional sums brought to court.

"Your Honour, he has previously spent three months and three days in custody and that has served as a sharp shock for him. He is truly on the track of reform," Simms submitted. But the senior judge was adamant that more monies would have to paid.

"I have to consider the sentiments of the complainant. This is someone whom he would hire to offload containers of construction items. That's a hard one; this is someone whom he would assist from time to time. I can't imagine what it feels like, seeing him [Hunter] walking up and down in the community and you're still operating at a $3 million loss and yuh just affi hold it," Cole-Montaque argued, before instructing police officers to take Hunter to the holding area of the Corporate Area courthouse.

Almost two hours later, he was taken back to prisoner's dock and Simms informed the court that an additional $50,000 was made available. The matter was adjourned until February 9, 2024.

- T.T.