BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE court continues to send strong messages to those men who are bent on violating and or degrading the fairer sex.
Kevin Jones, a Conaree resident, was thrown in the slammer Thursday (Mar. 11) to serve a 10-year sentence; his punishment for committing a December 28, 2007 incident of rape against an adult female.
Jones was tried weeks ago and was unanimously convicted of the offence but, before sentence could be passed, His Lordship ordered that the relevant individual compile a social inquiry report into Jones’ background to assist with the sentencing.
Two character witnesses, Lionel Phillip and Anthony Phillip, both of Conaree Village, spoke glowingly of the convicted man; describing him as a “quiet, responsible, intelligent, easy going, dedicated, hard-working, friendly, helpful and well-mannered” individual.
They beseeched the court to exercise leniency in sentencing their friend.
Jones’ counsel, Chesley Hamilton, making reference to the Jones’ social inquiry report, mitigated that the father of eight has shown great responsibility for his children and has, up until this point, never transgressed the law.
Hamilton explained that Jones is the only surviving male of his mother’s children, which resulted from the passing of his older brother. This, he said, has an impact on Jones’ life and was further impacted when, about five years ago, his mother suffered a stroke and complications.
The implication is that Jones may have struggled with these incidents throughout his lifetime and did not receive the help he needed to cope with the unfortunate circumstances.
The 37-year-old, by his lawyer’s words, “is remorseful, more so upset and disgusted with himself” for the breach of confidence and trust and for disappointing his friends, family and the wider community.
Hamilton’s plea to “temper justice with mercy” was heeded by the court and Jones was spared the maximum penalty for committing “rape”, life imprisonment.
His Lordship however expressed that there is an ongoing issue of lack of respect for women to which the court has an obligation to respond on behalf of society. He said many men tend to forget that they were born of a woman and that their sisters are women.
Justice Belle said Jones’ actions displayed “a level of serious indiscipline on his part” and as a father of eight and a former police officer, he should have contemplated the repercussions of his actions before committing to act.
For the next 10 years, Belle explained, others would have to assume responsibility and provide for and maintain Jones’ eight children, as he would be unable to do so while residing at Her Majesty’s Prison.
