BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A 57-year-old grandfather of nine, Elmond Dickenson, was yesterday (May 31) sentenced to 18 months hard labour for inflicting grievous bodily harm on Anthony Thomas.
The incident occurred in Lodge Village on November 6, 2010.
At his sentencing, Dickenson pleaded with His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas to be lenient with him and to give him a fine instead of a custodial sentence.
The grandfather said that two of his granddaughters live with him and he would not like them to go on the streets and “beg”.
His older brother Cuthbert Woods gave evidence on his character at the hearing and described Dickenson as a kind, gentle, humble and honest person.
Woods said Dickenson is the type of person that would share anything with anyone.
He also said that his brother has health issues, including diabetes and problems with his eyesight.
“Perhaps a lenient turn will help him. I hope the court would give him a second chance as he has children and grandchildren,” Woods said.
“Why a man of your age would engage in such violence? Then, according to the victim after you hit him, you said, ‘Take that you mother stinking ass, long time I had that for you.’
“People of your age are supposed to be setting example. How can St. Kitts and Nevis prosper with older people committing crime? The young people will follow the older ones,” Justice Thomas told Dickenson.
Justice Thomas then told Dickenson that he would have to spend 18 months in prison for committing the crime.
