Ex-con says ‘Molly’ made him steal

A 31-year-old chef, who admitted to stealing more than $100,000 worth of electronic equipment from his stepmother, told the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that he was under the influence of drugs when he committed the act.

Davie Ming pleaded with Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell to give him a chance, even volunteering to be placed in a drug treatment programme. Ming told the court that he is addicted to the popular drug Molly. According to him, after being released from one of the island's high security prisons in February, where he had served time for a gun-related charge, he found himself using the drug again.

"I relapsed. I came from prison on February 9 and my mother died on February 11. I am telling you the honest truth Your Honour, I spent nine years at GP [or General Penitentiary, the informal name for the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre]," said Ming. He was sent to prison after he was convicted for shooting with intent, illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The court was told that on March 20, Ming gained access to the complainant's house, where he removed two 15-inch Chromebooks valued at $40,000 each, an iPhone 8 Plus valued at $35,000, a tablet valued at $20,000, a smartwatch valued at $30,000, and a Jansport bag valued at $4,000.

"So what you did with the stuff?" the judge asked Ming. "I sold them for $7,000," said Ming, who had earlier admitted his guilt by pleading guilty to housebreaking and larceny. "Your Honour, please, I am asking for another chance. It was the drugs," said Ming, as he apologised profusely and asked the judge to put in a drug treatment programme.

While the judge accepted Ming's request to be provided with treatment for his drug addiction, she told him that he needed to think about how he was going to pay for the items he stole, before remanding him in custody until May 8.