The woman charged with stealing a cell phone that the man had asked her to charge has been given two months to pay him EC$3,089.40 for the device.
Last Thursday, at the Colonarie Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Georgetown, Roxy Baptiste was ordered to pay EC$1,000 of the amount forthwith and the balance in two months.
If she fails to pay the remainder, she will go to jail for five months.
Magistrate Bertie Pompey further sentenced the woman to eight months in prison, suspended for one year.
Baptiste had left Artudo Jones, of Sion Hill, in tears outside the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Feb. 21.
On that day, she had pleaded not guilty to a charge that on the same day, at Georgetown, she stole one Samsung Z Fold cellular phone and its case, valued at US$1,140, Jones’ property.
Baptiste did not have a lawyer when she was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
However, when the matter came up for hearing last Thursday, again before Pompey, the defendant had retained Counsel Charmaine Walters.
She pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court heard that on Feb. 21, Jones and his friends went to Baptiste’s shop in Georgetown.
While there, he noticed that the battery on his US$1,440, Samsung Z Fold cellular phone had died and asked Baptiste to charge it.
Jones and his friends then went to Sandy Bay, where they spent about three hours.
On their return to Georgetown, Jones asked Baptiste for his phone but she refused to give it to him.
He reported the matter to the police and Baptiste was charged.
On the day that the phone was stolen and Baptiste charged, Jones cried outside the court.
“I don’t know why she did this to me. Seriously, I don’t know why me? Why? Why? Why me?”
Jones, who is scheduled to leave the St. Vincent next week, said that all his contacts’ details were saved on the device.
“…it come like I don’t know nothing. I have to go back to work; I have a lot to do. Me and she, we don’t have nothing, first time I come out here (Georgetown),” Jones had cried.
You backward real bad, where in the USA you residing? Who leaves their phone with strangers to charge over three hours and not in view?
I thought the lady actually pick your pocket.
and stole your phone.
The simple truth is too many returning nationals let down their guard when visiting SVG. The peace and tranquility could be disarming and cause for doltish decisions.
Times have changed. Do not be deceived.
Do not trust any one, not even your own. The heart of man is very wicked.
Cry baby, well you eat your cake and still have it. How could you leave your phone with a stranger to charge for several hours while you’re gone galavanting? World News. But I understand what happened. When you leave an urban environment and go to a beautiful island gem like SVG you might tend to get unstressed and do otherwise crazy things.
What backwards thinking of some of the commenters on here. The man left his phone for charging then was told he couldn’t have it back. How would you feel if it was your phone?? He had his covid info, flight information and many other important things he needed.
Then you have people saying “serves you right” and “Are you stupid?” this is the very reason why vincentians get nowhere.
Why bash the man If he knew she will steal the phone he would not of done it. Are there no honest people come on .Now somebody stuff burn her eyes not even her name and reputation worth anything ..?. Shame on her i widh you all the best young man dont judge all by one person standard. Hope you all work out for you.. I trust she learn honesty the best policy. All the wa