Court hears man damaged cell phone over non-payment for drugs

A man charged with damage to property told the court this week that the person owed him two “grand” for drugs.

On March 4, one Iswag cellular phone valued at $400 was damaged due to a disagreement between defendant, Anthonio Mason and a resident of Chateaubelair.

According to the statement of facts read in court, the incident began at around 3:40 p.m.

The victim was standing at the Leeward bus terminal with his cellular phone in hand. Mason approached him and told him, “I have in mind take away your phone.”

The victim ignored him and walked away, but Mason approached from behind and hit the Chateaubelair resident on the hand which was holding his phone. Mason then attempted to take away the cellphone and the two men held onto one another and a scuffle ensued. Mason managed to relieve the victim of his phone and ran away. However, he was approached by a police officer who told him to return the device. Although he complied, he also pushed the officer and fled into the bus terminal. The officer gave chase but Mason was able to escape.

Meanwhile the Chateaubelair resident noticed that his phone screen was damaged and he reported this to the police.

During investigations CCTV camera footage was acquired and this showed the interaction between the two men, and the scuffle.

Last Saturday, while on duty in Barrouallie, the police met Mason who resides in that Central Leeward town. They took him into custody and he gave a statement admitting to the offence.

The defendant told the Chief Magistrate that the individual owed him.

Mason said he took the cell, telling the owner to give him some of the money and he would return the phone. He clarified that it was two “grand” that was owed since 2020.

When asked if any of the money had been paid, Mason replied, “Nothing.”

He also implied that the man was stringing him along.

The court inquired whether it was the case that the defendant had given money to the Chateaubelair resident. Mason said no, but that he owed him. When asked what he owed him for, Mason stated “Drugs.”

This changed the trajectory of the interchange as the magistrate said she would have recommended that the defendant puts in a civil claim.

During sentencing, Browne said that it was unfortunate, as Mason is now liable and will have to pay compensation.

“Because of your action and your approach, the phone is damaged,” she noted.

“Whereas it doesn’t merit me sending you to prison, I have to ensure that he is compensated for his phone…”

“It may seem a little unfair in the scheme of things,” the magistrate said, “but that is outside of my realm.”

When asked if he could pay the sum of $400 forthwith, Mason replied that he could get it by the Fish Market.

October 7 is set as the date by which payment must be made, in default of which Mason will spend one month in prison.