Man who sneaked under woman’s bed fined, bonded

A woman who asked a man why he looked like he had slept under someone’s bed did not immediately realise how correct she had been in her observation.

Further, the woman, Tameka Lavia, of Point Village, did not realise that the man, Terrance Daniel aka Specky, had slept under her bed.

Lavia’s 11-year-old son had seen Daniel, an intruder, coming from under the bed on which he and his mother sleep.

He, however, told the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court that he did not raise an alarm because he was afraid that Daniel would attack him.

However, around 9 p.m. that night, the minor would tell his mother that he had seen Daniel coming from under their bed that morning.

Daniel, a 42-year-old labourer,  was tried before magistrate Kaywana Jacobs and was found guilty ]that on May 18, he entered Lavia’s dwelling house at Point Village, as a trespasser with intent to assault. 

Lavia told the court that she got home about 1 a.m. after attending an entertainment event and checked on her children before getting into the bed she shared with her son.

She said that about 8 o’clock the next morning, as she was hanging clothes in her yard, she saw what appeared to be Daniel’s black and white sneakers that he had worn the night before.

She said she continued hanging the clothing when Daniel walked through the yard, which is also a shortcut, wearing socks and he sat down.

Lavia said she also observed that Daniel’s clothing was dirty with cobwebs and she told him, “How you look so? Like you sleep under somebody bed?” 

Lavia said that Daniel put on his shoes and left while she continued hanging the clothing.

Lavia testified that about 9 p.m. that night, her son told her something, which resulted in her making a report at the Owia Police Station the next day.

Meanwhile, Lavia’s son told the court that his mother was already outside when he woke up about 8 a.m. on the day of the incident. 

He said he was playing video games on his phone when he heard strange noises coming from under the bed.

The minor said that he first saw a head coming from under the bed then he recognised Daniel’s face for about five seconds as Daniel looked at him silently before leaving through the door.

In response to a question from the prosecutor, Corporal of Police Delando Charles, the minor told the court he did not scream, confront Daniel or inform his mother immediately because “I was scared he would attack me”. 

The child said he and his mother went to the Owia Police Station to make a report the following morning.

Investigating officer Corporal Harry, who is attached to the Owia Police Station, also testified in the trial.

Before handing down her sentence, the magistrate noted that during the trial Daniel denied that he was at the house but in his caution statement to the police said he thought he was at his mother’s home but found himself under Lavia’s bed. 

The magistrate said that Daniel had “some sort of intention” because of the time he entered the house without permission.

The magistrate told Daniel that it appears that he was not aware of his actions when he used certain beverages or substances.

Citing the sentencing guidelines, the magistrate highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the psychological harm it may have on the child.

She said Daniel was of good character and a good candidate for rehabilitation.

She, however, diverted from an eight-month prison term she arrived at after consulting the sentencing guidelines.

“Let this be a wake-up call to stay away from certain beverages or substances. You are a big hardback man. Alcohol and whatever else are not doing you any favour.

 “I’m pleading with you; get back on the straight and narrow”.

The magistrate fined Daniel EC$400 to be paid in two months or four months imprisonment.

She also bonded him for six months in the sum of EC$600 or four months imprisonment.