A thief, who snatched another man’s chain from round his neck and then swallowed it after he was caught, was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in prison.
“I am very much sorry. Please for a small sentence or something,” miner Kenard Persaud begged Magistrate Judy Latchman after pleading guilty to the charge of larceny from the person at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court
Persaud accepted that on August 7, at Georgetown, he stole a gold chain, valued $100,000, from the person of Rafick Khan.
Khan was walking along Charlotte Street when Persaud approached him and snatched the chain from round his neck before attempting to run.
The court heard that Khan raised an alarm and subsequently managed to apprehend Persaud, who placed the chain in his mouth and swallowed it. He was later taken into police custody; arrested and charged.
Assistant Superintendent Lewis, who presented the police’s case, told the court that Persaud excreted the chain on the day after the robbery and it was handed over to the police.
When asked if he wanted to say anything, Khan calmly requested only that his chain be returned.
Meanwhile, Persaud expressed remorse, begging the court for lenience. He said that he has two minor children; a two-year-old and two-month old.
He lamented that he had already handed back the piece of jewellery to the police, which was what the complainant wanted.
In mitigation, the court took into account that the defendant had pleaded guilty at the first given opportunity, saving the court considerable time in otherwise having to conduct a trial and the fact that he said he was sorry.
Listing the aggravating circumstances, however, Magistrate Latchman noted that the offence was serious and prevalent and emphasised that the message of deterrence must be sent to potential offenders. In the circumstances, the court handed down an 18-month sentence.
Additionally, the magistrate ordered that the chain be returned to Khan.
