A 47 year old man who has 43 previous convictions was sentenced to prison for committing two offences of burglary.

Raphael “KingKong” Robinson appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday March, 20, 2024 before Senior Magistrate, Colin John where he pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary which he committed on March 14, 2024, in Indian Bay, and on March 13, 2024, in Arnos Vale.

Robinson was also charged that on March 14, 2024, he entered a dwelling house in Indian Bay while being in possession of a knife. This offence was laid indictably so he was not required to plea.

According to the facts relating to the offence committed in Indian Bay, a neighbour informed the virtual complainant that the main door on the top floor of his apartment was opened, and two unknown men were leaving his compound.

When the virtual complainant made checks about the apartment, he discovered that one window on the southern side of the apartment was opened, but nothing was missing from inside.

He also viewed CCTV footage from another neighbour’s camera, and called the police. Police Constable Pope of the Calliaqua Police Station entertained a report of the incident and carried out investigations into the matter.

PC Pope then viewed the footage and recognised Robinson, who was later located and informed of this report. A search warrant was executed at his home by the police. PC Pope cautioned Robinson in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, and Robinson gave a statement admitting to the offence. He was later charged for burglary.

As for the offence which was committed in Arnos Vale, the virtual complainant awoke at 5:35 a.m to prepare for work and realised that his bedroom door which he closed the night before, was opened. He then proceeded to the living room and realised that the front door was opened as well.

When he made checks about his house, he discovered that his bag, pants and a quantity of items were missing. As a result, a report was made at the Calliaqua Police Station.

PC 125 McDowald entertained the report and carried out investigations into the matter which led to Robinson. Robinson was later located. A search warrant was executed at his home, and the missing items were found. Robinson was arrested, cautioned in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, and volunteered a statement.

After the facts were read, Senior Magistrate John reminded Robinson that he has a history of convictions dating back to 1993, and his last conviction was in 2023.

“So you talking about offences spanning over 30 years,” John said.

When he asked Robinson how old he was, Robinson replied that he is 47 years old.

John added that of the 43 offences that Robinson has been convicted for, 40 of them relate to burglary, dishonesty, theft and criminal trespassing.

“Persons need to enjoy their home without having fear that persons may be coming in their home…you don’t think so?” John questioned him.

“Things could have easily gone south. The person could have woken up and meet you in the house, they kill you, or you injure them or something…”.

The Senior Magistrate then considered Robinson’s guilty plea, his previous convictions, and the “prevalence of burglary” in the country, and sentenced Robinson to one year in prison for each offence, to run consecutively.

The offence concerning the aggravated burglary was adjourned and transferred to August 12, 2024 at the Serious offences Court for hearing.