BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SHE hid her face from public view as she exited the courthouse bound for Her Majesty’s Prison, where she will be a guest for the next three months. Ironically, however, her residence at the institution of correction is not because she was convicted of stabbing a man, but breaching a two-year bond.
Kimone 'I-Kim' Amory, who was charged with “wounding with intent” and an alternative charge of “unlawful wounding”, stood before the Basseterre High Court of Justice yesterday morning (May 17) where a jury was empanelled and given charge over delivering a verdict in the case.
Shortly before evidence was to be heard in the case, Amory informed the court that she wished to be re-arraigned because she wanted to take a certain course of action.
Her indictment was read to her again, and while she pleaded not-guilty to the first charge, she pleaded guilty to the second. This course of action prompted His Lordship Justice Francis Belle to instruct the jury to return a verdict in accordance with Amory’s plea, which it did.
SKNVibes understands that the charges were brought against Amory following a June 25, 2009 incident.
The virtual complainant (VC), Alexis Charles of Christ Church, had entered a shop in that village to purchase a chocolate bar and a juice. But when he went to the refrigerator to get the juice, he saw the accused enter the establishment with her arms folded and she proceeded in his direction.
After the VC took the drink from the refrigerator, the accused raised her hand and he did likewise to block her attack. He sustained a laceration to his hand and when he turned around Amory proceeded to stab him in his back.
Charles was rushed to the Joseph N. France General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery while Amory was taken into police custody and charged with his wounding.
SKNVibes understands that this incident stemmed from an occurrence that transpired a day or two before.
Before being sentenced by the court, an emotional and penitent Amory apologised for her wrongdoing and explained that she now realises that it is far easier to “get into trouble” than “getting out of it”.
The 22-year-old told the court that she suffered stress because of the situation which resulted in her having a miscarriage. She expressed remorse for the pain and suffering she caused to Charles and his family and begged the court to have mercy on her. Her assurance was that an incident such as this “will not happen to me again”.
After perusing the Amory’s rap sheet, His Lordship reminded her of four previous convictions which include making use of indecent language, battery and causing malicious damage.
Justice Belle also reminded the accused that on her last conviction (at Magistrate Court), she was placed on a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a two-year period, and if that were to be breached she would be imprisoned for three months.
For being in convention of the bond, Amory was sentenced to serve three months at Her Majesty’s Prison.
On the matter for which she was before the court, however, she was fined $3 500 to be paid forthwith or serve 18 months imprisonment. She was also ordered to pay $8 000 compensation to the virtual complainant within the next six months or serve 18 months behind bars. The young woman was also ordered to attend counselling sessions for the next six months
SKNVibes was unable to ascertain whether the fine was paid or if she has made arrangements to do so.
