BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH all of his character witnesses spoke highly of him in the Basseterre High Court yesterday (Feb.3), their pleas did not deter Justice Errol Thomas from sentencing Leslie Farrell to serve five years at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Farrell, a resident of Sprott Street, Basseterre, was charged with robbery, unlawful wounding and wounding with intent. However, at his arraignment on January 18, 2011 and in an effort not to waste the court’s time, he pleaded not guilty to the latter charge and guilty to the others.
His Lordship then ordered that he return to court on Thursday, February 3 for his sentencing hearing.
According to the prosecution, Farrell had entered the compound of Gillard’s Gas Station at Douglas Commercial Development and robbed Jody-Ann Chin-Liddie of EC$358 and wounded former Police Constable Avan Lapsey in the process.
In previous reports, Farrell had entered the compound wearing a mask with the intention of committing a crime. He was however disarmed by Lapsey, who had benefitted from training in a number of countries while a serving member of the local Police Force, and was apprehended and placed into custody on the night of the incident.
The court was told that Farrell was demanding money during the robbery and that when stopped by Lapsey said, “I have a lot of bills to pay and I have a baby. Please let me go…I did this for my daughter.”
The court was also told that Farrell showed remorse for his actions and wanted to apologise to all those he had harmed.
Several persons spoke on his behalf, including Wallis Wilkin, Marketing Executive at SL Horsford; Altonia Springer, who manages an architecture firm; and Accounts Manager at COURTS St. Kitts-Nevis Ltd, Naomi Richards-Byron.
All of the character witnesses said they were shocked on learning of the crime Farrell committed and asked His Lordship to be lenient on him. They also said he was a hardworking young man who had gained their respect through the professionalism he displayed to them.
Wilkin said he had known Farrell for nine years through basketball and also as members on the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association youth team.
Wilkin also told the court that he had contracted Farrell on several occasions to produce artwork for SL Horsford; work which he said was very highly rated.
Springer, who also testified as knowing Farrell for nine years, said they grew up together in the same neighbourhood. She added that together they had organised a hike and would definitely work with him again in the future.
Richards-Byron said Farrell worked with her at the Accounts Department and she had found him to be a very honest and respectful person.
Attorney-at-Law Chesley Hamilton, Farrell’s defence counsel, told the court he respects and understands that violent crime in the Federation is a serious concern to all, but what stood out for his client is that he came out of an alleged violent criminal act and was a young man who still overcame a lot.
He said that Farrell graduated from high school with six CXC passes and was employed at several businesses after leaving school and before he decided to be self-employed.
After listening to the character witnesses and defence counsel, His Lordship described the sentencing of Farrell as a very complex one.
“All this tells me is that you had alternatives. The fact that you were in a different situation is never an excuse for committing a crime. Why in God’s name you would do such? Because of your daughter? Because of her you should say no.
“Despite all that went on around him he was still successful in passing CXC... When you behave like that what would you expect others who are not as fortunate like you to do? Let me say quite frankly, your profile does not warrant the court to lend sympathy. I have considered what counsel said and your witnesses, and sentence you to five years to run con-currently,” Justice Thomas said.
He also said the time that Farrell spent in prison would be considered in his sentence.
