Duo sentenced to three years in prison for break-ins in Kingstown

Jason Williams and Dennis Richardson were yesterday sentenced to three years in prison for their involvement in a number of break-ins between August 16 and 17 this year.{{more}}

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias handed down the sentence at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, following testimony by a number of persons, including proprietors Dillon Chen, Barbara Bollers and Clera Pompey.

“You have shown blatant disregard for a person’s property and livelihood – smashing glass like crazy, closing down two businesses you don’t know how people go about getting their money,” the magistrate said before sentencing.

Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Glenford Gregg said that he would have preferred to refer 24-year-old Williams of Sion Hill and 20-year-old Richardson of Glen to the High Court for sentencing, but he had confidence that Browne would have the authority to hand down a justified sentence.

The two men pleaded not guilty to four counts of burglary when they first appeared at the Magistrate’s Court in August.

They were charged for breaking in and entering and stealing a number of items from four stores in the Kenmars Building and stealing goods amounting to just under EC$40,000.

The men also pleaded not guilty to damaging four glass panels valued at $1,365, the property of Kenmars.

They are charged with entering Digital Centre and stealing 38 cellular phones, 30 speakers, 65 flash drives, phone batteries, earphones, computer batteries and other items totalling $26,650, the property of Dillon Chen of China and Cane Garden.

They are also charged with entering Clera’s Enterprise and stealing ladies perfumes, Victoria Secret underwear, back packs, necklaces, clothing and other items valued at $7,097, the property of Clera Pompey of Prospect. Williams and Richardson are also charged with entering the Vincy Flavours store and stealing phones, watches and video games valued at $5,299, the property of Bert Williams of Prospect. Finally, they are charged with entering the PennyWise store and stealing a box of lighters and $1,800, the property of Barbara Bollers of Cane Garden. (DD)