A labourer who recently denied a break and enter charge was fined on Wednesday after he changed his plea and admitted that he stole his sister’s money.
Devon Marks, 41, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where he admitted to the charge which states that on August 28, at Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, he broke and entered the apartment of Lashaun James and stole $20,000 cash, property of Lashaun James.
Marks had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded by Magistrate Judy Latchman who had initially read the charge to him. On Wednesday, his sister, James, told the court that Marks abuses drugs and her family has become tired of his behaviour. She added that stealing finances his drug habit. The magistrate then contemplated sending Marks to the drug treatment court, but James explained that her brother has walked out of rehab every time her family tried to send him there.
The Chief Magistrate then proffered that Marks would only continue this behaviour until he has the needed support. She proceeded to fine him $50,000, or in default, two months behind bars.
The police prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, James left her home for work at about 11:00 hrs. When she returned home around 19:00 hrs, she noticed that her home had been broken into. According to the woman’s report, her lock was broken. She subsequently made checks of the premises and noticed the cash was missing. James then went to the Brickdam Police Station and made a report.
Upon receiving the information, the police went to Marks and asked him whether he had committed the act. It was reported that Marks was cautioned and that he gave an oral confession. The court had also heard that Marks was recently released after serving a prison sentence.
