A Redemption Sharpes man with seven convictions in the last 10 years has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for burglary.
Gideon Quow, 40, an electrician, appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He pleaded guilty to a charge that between Feb. 22 and March 1, at Redemption Sharpes, he entered the dwelling house of Don Phillips as a trespasser and stole one white tarpauline valued at EC$80, one Rubis gas cylinder, valued at EC$40, one multipurpose cement valued at a$60, one kitchen faucet valuedt $EC89.09 and one bathroom shower head valued at EC$40; total value, EC$267.23, Phillips’ property.
Presenting the facts, the prosecutor, Akeem Solelyn, told the court that Phillips employed Quow to work on his house at Redemption Sharpes.
On Feb. 22, Phillips left his home and visited his sister in Redemption Sharpes.
Upon his return to his house on March 1, about 5:30 p.m., Phillips observed that a window on the north eastern side of his house was open.
He also noticed that the items complained of and other building materials were missing.
Phillips reported the matter to the police, and PC 151 Defreitas investigated.
The police executed a search warrant at Quow’s residence but nothing illegal was found.
Quow then led the officers to the home of Keron James, where the tarpaulin and gas bottle were recovered.
Quow admitted in writing to the offence and was arrested and charged with burglary.
In mitigation, Quow told the court that he has a son and a daughter and was just getting back on his feet. He said he could not sleep at night and asked Phillips to forgive him.
The prosecutor asked the court to impose a custodial sentence on Quow.
He said Quow’s offence came less than two years after his previous sentence, which was for a similar offence.
Soleyn said Quow has been convicted of theft, attempted burglary, and assault occasioning bodily harm.
In addition to the prison term, the magistrate ordered that EC$150 in compensation be paid forthwith or three months’ imprisonment.
He should be locked away and the keys thrown away. The penalty should fit the crime. In Regina v Sussex, the law must not only be done but must be seenbto b done . He is a menace to society.Call a spadeca spade and a jack a jack.