BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – REPENTANT of his wrong-doings, Robinson Hercules begged His Lordship, Justice Francis Belle for leniency as he sentenced him on two counts of “malicious damage”.
At the commencement of the September 2009 Criminal Assizes, Hercules was brought before the court for his arraignment during which he pleaded guilty as charged.
The indictment states that Hercules, on April 12, 2009, committed approximately EC$21 600 in damages to the Estridge Primary School and approximately EC$12 500 damages to the Mansion Pavilion.
The statement Hercules gave to the police indicates that he was displeased with certain developments, or the lack thereof, and took out his frustrations on the structures.
“I am truly truly sorry for such a ridiculous behaviour. I am really responsible for whatever and will try and pay back…I am willing to work for myself to pay back the money,” Hercules said.
Resident Judge His Lordship Justice Francis Belle indicated that Hercules, though his record is not unblemished, does not show a previous propensity for violence, therefore, a custodial sentence would not be imposed.
For the offence committed at the school, the Mansion resident was ordered to pay $8 000 in compensation to the Ministry of Education within 12 months, or serve two years imprisonment. Also for that offence, he was fined an additional $2 000 to be paid within 18 months or serve 12 months imprisonment. On the other offence, he was fined $10 000 to be paid within 18 months or serve two years imprisonment.
Hercules is currently serving a two-year sentence at Her Majesty’s Prison for a drug-related offence committed around the same time of the malicious damage offence.
