BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A man accused of stealing a quantity of cheese sandwiches pleaded guilty to the charge, and the first phase of his sentencing hearing began today (Jan. 20).
The guilty man, Valentine Graham appeared yesterday at the Basseterre High Court of Justice in the Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Complex on a charge of “building breaking and larceny”.
According to the indictment, Graham is accused of breaking into the kitchen portion of the Joseph N. France General Hospital and stealing 13 cheese sandwiches, one packet of crackers and one kitchen towel.
The facts of the case suggest that on September 17, 2009, a supervisor at the JNF Hospital secured the kitchen and, upon return, the room was discovered broken into. The facts further suggest that on the same day, police officers were patrolling the area and made a stop at the hospital. A sound was heard coming from the vicinity of the kitchen and on investigating the officers saw Graham placing items on the floor and making an attempt to jump over a counter.
Two white bags were discovered – one contained cheese sandwiches the other a pack of crackers, a piece of cheese and a white kitchen towel.
Graham reportedly told officers that he was hungry and thought that the hospital was best place from which he could have taken a meal.
The confessed thief appeared before His Lordship Justice Francis Belle this morning and begged leniency and assistance in turning his life around.
In explanation of the incident and the moments leading up to it, Graham said, “At the time, I was going through a phase in life and I resort to drinking. I drink too much that night and lost control! I plead guilty because I was wrong…and I need help…I am not a bad person nor a threat to society, but I need help…I have a drinking problem.”
The 38-year-old begged the court for “a second chance” and expressed that a custodial sentence at this time in his life would impede any progress he is to make. Graham suggested that some sort of non-custodial sentence be imposed.
In light of what Graham said, His Lordship explained that he has to refer the matter to probation services and ordered that a social enquiry report be compiled. Graham is to return to court on February 11, 2010 for the final leg of his sentencing hearing.
