A teenager who stole a cellular phone from a woman was yesterday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court facing two charges, one of which he admitted to.
When Shane Thompson, 17, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan he admitted to the charge which stated on July 13 at Sheriff and Garnett streets, Georgetown, he stole one cellular phone from Amifa Mentore valued $90,000.
However, he pleaded not guilty to a charge of armed robbery that was also read to him at the same time. The charge stated on July 10 at Garnett and Delph streets, Campbellville, while being armed with an ice pick, he robbed Kessi Nelson of one cellular phone and a quantity of cash amounting to $105,200.
The facts of the matter in relation to Mentore stated that on the day of the incident, Mentore and Thompson were passengers in a Route 40 minibus which stopped at the corner of Sheriff and Garnett streets in order for Mentore to exit. However, as she did so Thompson followed and accosted her, demanding the cellular phone and threatening to kill her. When she refused, Thompson grabbed it and ran south along Sheriff Street. Mentore began to scream and public-spirited citizens gave chase and caught the defendant. The cellular phone was recovered in his possession and he was arrested and taken to the Kitty Police Station where under caution he admitted to the offence.
The unrepresented defendant in response to the court said, “My Worship, it is true I did steal the phone but when I done do the act I realized I was wrong and I am very much sorry.”
In relation to the armed robbery, Thompson is expected to make his next court appearance on August 3.
