BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - JOSEPH HARVEY walked out of the Basseterre High Court yesterday (Feb. 27) a free man but was slapped with an EC$8 000 compensatory fine for chopping off the finger of a man.
The money has to be paid to the victim within an eight-month period or Harvey will have to kiss his freedom goodbye and be a guest for 18 months at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Harvey was previously charged with wounding with intent and also for the unlawful wounding of Richard Mitcham at Lynches Mountain on March 3, 2011. He was however only found guilty of the latter offence.
Before being sentenced, Harvey begged the court for mercy, noting that he was extremely sorry for what he did.
"I am very sorry for the situation I am in now. I always try to be an honest man and keep out of trouble. I am also sorry that the individual is not here today for me to tell him how sorry I am.
"My father, before he died, used to tell me 'trouble come on horseback but it go back on snail back', and this has proven to be true. I got into trouble and up to now I am still dealing with that trouble."
Harvey said that before his father passed away he [Harvey] promised him that he would take care of his mother whom he claimed suffered from diabetes and hypertension.
"I am 54-years-old and I have never been in trouble with the law. It is my first offence and I am begging for your mercy in the execution of your judgment today," he said.
Three of Harvey's friends spoke on his behalf, stating that he is a respectable man who loves farming.
Begging for the court's mercy, Harvey's friends described him as a good, God-fearing person who is actively involved in church activities.
According to the Social Inquiry Report prepared by Probation Officer Wingrove George, Harvey gave an extensive explanation as to what transpired that day and was remorseful for what he did to Mitcham.
Before passing sentence, His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas told Harvey that he should have handled the situation a lot better, especially since he is a Christian.
"Here is a church elder with a criminal offence…wounding. The man lost a right finger and suffered significant damage to his other fingers. Life as a farmer would never be the same for him," His Lordship said.
The judge added: "It is people like you who cause confusion in society. You are a church elder! You should be a better role model for the young people."
