BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHAT some would deem a slap on the wrist was applied to Vermel Francis as second a chance to become an upstanding member of the St. Kitts-Nevis community.

Francis (18) was charged with “assault with intent to rob”. At the commencement of the present assizes, he pleaded guilty to the charge during the arraignment proceedings and was committed to return to court for sentencing yesterday (June 11).

According to the particulars of the case, at about 10:15 p.m. on October 31, 2008, with the use of a gun, Francis assaulted Defence Force soldier Jared Boon and N’Cosi Lucas with the intention of robbing them. They lodged a complaint at the Basseterre Police Station and Francis was soon after arrested and charged.

Resident judge, His Lordship Justice Francis Belle ordered that a social inquiry report be compiled and submitted to the court before sentencing.

While presenting his mitigating pleas yesterday, Francis’ defence counsel, Chesley Hamilton made reference to the social inquiry report which spoke to circumstances that might have affected his upbringing.

The report, as stated by Hamilton, indicated that Francis’ mother died of breast cancer while he was a mere six-year-old and his father is a drug addict, which resulted in him being raised by his aunt.

Hamilton also told the court that Francis’ schooling was “rocky”, which made his prospects for employment “difficult”. Nonetheless, he explained, Francis managed to maintain gainful employment.

In further mitigation, Hamilton told Justice Belle that Francis took responsibility for his actions at the first opportunity and did not waste the court’s time. 

The drafter of the social report suggested that a non-custodial sentence be imposed on Francis and, as explained by Hamilton, “with the proper management and guidance, such a sentence would be fitting”. His suggestion was that a suspended sentence be imposed and Francis be ordered to attend counselling sessions which “can do much to keep (him) on the straight and narrow”.

His Lordship ruled that Francis be placed on a three-year bond to which is attached a number of conditions he must observe.  

He is to:
- Keep the peace and be of good behavior;
- Perform a maximum of 240 hours community service;
- Seek gainful employment;
- Observe a 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew (unless for reasons of work);
- Report to his probation officer at least twice per week;
- Not to be found in the company of undesirables; and
- Not to sell or buy illegal drugs or alcohol.

Should Francis breach the conditions of his bail, he will be summoned to the court for sentencing.

Before leaving the courtroom, Francis said, “I have learnt that the pain we inflict upon ourselves hurts most of all” and promised that “I will take this as an example for myself.”