Elderly man with 40 convictions begs for non-jail sentence

A 68-year-old man, who racked up his 41st conviction after he stole coffee from a supermarket, pleaded with the court to be given a non-custodial sentence.

Joel Garrick of Kingstown, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Tammika McKenzie, on September, 15,2025, where he pleaded guilty that on September, 14, 2025 at Tyrell Street, Kingstown, he stole one 120g bottle of Nescafe Classic Coffee valued EC$41.15, the property of Randy’s Supermarket.

The facts are that on the date in question around 6:30 p.m, a security officer on duty at Randy’s Supermarket went to the storeroom to retrieve a case of Carib beer for a customer.

Upon his return, he was informed by another employee that Garrick was seen placing a bottle of 120g Nescafe coffee into a bag.

As a result, the security officer approached Garrick and questioned him about the coffee. Garrick informed the security officer that he had the coffee when he went to the supermarket.

The security officer had a conversation with the supervisor, who reviewed the Supermarket’s CCTV System. While reviewing the footage, Garrick headed for the exit, passing the cash desk without paying.

The security officer saw Garrick’s movement and apprehended him. The matter was reported at the Criminal Investigations Department.

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