BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A young man was given another chance in life when he was spared jail time after being convicted of unlawful wounding. Instead, on Tuesday (Nov. 2) he was given a fine and ordered to pay compensation to the victim.
Olonzo Alexander was found guilty of unlawfully wounding Denzil France on Jan. 5, 2008 and was ordered to pay a fine of EC$5 000 in 12 months and a similar amount as compensation to the victim. If in default of the fine, he will have to serve six months at Her Majesty’s Prison.
According to the prosecutor, the incident occurred on the Frigate Bay Strip between Inons and Tasha’s Bar near the ocean at about 3:50 a.m. The prosecutor also stated that during the incident, Cardin Jeffers had stabbed France while Alexander had beaten him with his hands.
Jeffers pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous Assizes.
Dr. Cameron Wilkenson, General Surgeon at the JNF Hospital, described France’s injuries as “serious and life threatening” when he gave evidence in court on behalf of the prosecutor.
At the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the judge told Alexander that he was impressed with the social report and people his age do not understand what they are doing to the country.
“It is not pleasant to see an injured man crawling to a bench of a bar at the beach where people go to have a good time. I heard you (Alexander) speak and I said to myself, ‘Why is a man like that involved in trouble like that?’ Why would you want to do that? You should be looking to further your education. You’re very a intelligent person…you should be helping society. You fall into the category of one of those persons who should be looking to take the country in the right direction,” Justice Thomas said.
Justice Thomas said that he gave the sentencing great thought even before he wrote the judgment and had decided to spare him from a prison sentence.
“Let me make it clear, I’ve thought of the matter seriously. People of your age are bringing this country to its knees. Mr. Alexander the report said you can impart knowledge on others do so. I have given you a chance in life, the incident didn’t involve a firearm but you were wrong.
“Don’t you see what is happening around you and other places; this is a small country! You have so much to give to your country and people your age. You should be taking over this country and be a minister,” the judge said.
Mitigations were made by his counsel Angela Inniss, who said it was the first time that her client was before the court.
Innis said that the New Road resident is a facilitator of a programme in which he speaks to young persons and that he is also a part of a men’s group.
