CONVICTIONS
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE some have argued for the abolishment of custodial sentencing as punishment for persons convicted of “minor offences”, the court continues to mete out these and other sentences as it sees fit.
On Monday (Mar. 16), Travis Crawford of McKnight appeared before the District “A” Magistrate Court, Basseterre and was convicted for “carrying abroad an offensive weapon”.
He was sentenced to serve one month at Her Majesty’s Prison as punishment for committing the March 13, 2009 offence.
Meanwhile, others who had their cases tried at the Magistrate Court’s level were issued fines or reprimanded after conviction.
La Guerite Village resident Osbert Stapleton was convicted of an August 10, 2008 offence of “making use of threatening language” and was fined $700 which is to be paid in two months. If Stapleton fails to pay the sum within that time, he will be sentenced to prison for one month.
For “making use of indecent language”, “being armed with an offensive weapon” and “resisting arrest”, Beulah Byron of Lower Monkey Hill was convicted and fined $250 on the first count, $300 on the second, and $300 on the third count. All monies must be paid within three months or a custodial sentence will be imposed.
A lad from McKnight was placed on a six-month probationary period as punishment for the two offences of “carrying abroad an offensive weapon” with which he was charged and convicted.
According to police reports, on February 16 and 19 of this year, the young man was, on both occasions, found carrying a screwdriver and a meat chopper without being able to provide a reasonable excuse for possession of same.
During the probationary period, he is to be of good behaviour and keep the peace or suffer an alternative consequence.
Lorenzo Richards of Mc Knight was cautioned by a magistrate after being convicted of “making use of threatening language”.
ARRESTS
Travis Matthew of Holmes Hill, Nevis is expected to appear before the Magistrate Court shortly to answer to a number of charges preferred against him. He was charged with one count each of “driving without insurance”, “driving without a valid driver’s licence” and “driving without due care and attention”.
