Teenagers sentenced to 8 years for “assault with intent to rob”

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Right~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ALTHOUGH pleas for leniency were submitted at the Basseterre High Court, they were not enough to prevent two Sandy Point teenagers from each receiving an eighth-year prison sentence.

Evron Williams, 19, and Joseph James, 18, were convicted of assault with intent to rob last Thursday and appeared before His Lordship Justice Francis Belle today for sentencing.

Before sentence was passed, the two convicted men were offered opportunities to address the court.

“My Lord, I am begging for leniency. As a young man I live by myself…I had a little work outside to pull nuts and to cut grass…Am begging you for leniency,” pleaded Williams.

In response, Justice told the young man that the offence of which he was convicted “requires jail time”. He however declared that a “discount” would be given as the court has taken into consideration the fact that it was Williams’ first offence and also that he is “very young”.

His co-accused, James, repented for his wrong-doing: “I am sorry for the incident and I apologise for the time wasted in court. I am asking for leniency. I have been in jail for nine months now.” Charles also told the court that he wishes to assist his mother in meeting her monthly commitments.

Justice Belle told James that his apologies should have been uttered at the earliest opportunity to do so rather than after been found guilty of the charge.

The Judge explained that if James had done that earlier, his cries would have impacted the court to exercise leniency.

James and James were both sentenced to serve eight years at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Both men were convicted for assaulting and attempting to rob Vincent Freeman of Mount Idle, Sandy Point.  On Sunday, September 2, 2007, while walking along a stretch of road en route to his home, Freeman was held up by Williams and James who demanded that he give them any monies he was carrying. Williams was carrying a gun, which was used during the offense.

Freeman emerged unscathed and reported the incident to the police, subsequent to which the said charge was preferred against the duo.