A miner who admitted to stealing batteries from a businessman in Linden, was yesterday fined after he was charged with the offence.
Kevon Lawrence, 36, yesterday pleaded guilty to a larceny charge, and was fined $10,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in a default sentence of 21 days in jail.
The charge against Lawrence had stated that on May 8, at Pine Street, Mackenzie, Linden, he stole two 12-volt batteries valued $42,000 and four bunches of plantains valued $12,000, from Quasie Bowen.
The charge was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown.
Facts, according to the prosecutor, stated that on the day in question, Lawrence went into a bus, which was owned by Bowen, and stole the articles mentioned, after which he made good his escape. Lawrence, who was later arrested, admitted to the allegation.
After admitting to the offence, Lawrence told the court that he found the batteries in a house and told the police same but he was arrested. He denied stealing the plantains and told the court that he returned the batteries to the owner, who then told the police officers to give him a chance. However, he said, the policemen told him that he had to learn a lesson, hence him being charged with the offence.
Lawrence then claimed that he was in the custody of the police for one week, a statement confirmed by an officer, who said that Lawrence was walking up and down the streets shouting indecent words to passersby and was arrested but soon released, on the very day he committed the offence.
The prosecutor then confirmed that one of the batteries was recovered.
After repeatedly shouting that he was guilty to the Chief Magistrate, Lawrence began begging the Magistrate for a chance, telling her that he wasn’t going to do it again and, “Anytime you see me back in this court, you could cruel me your worship.” He then began crying loudly and praying.
The Chief Magistrate proceeded to advise him against stealing and subsequently fined Lawrence. Lawrence, who previously told the court that he was planning on going back to the interior soon, began begging for community service, but his request was denied due to the uncertainty of a fixed address.
