BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MARVIN WHYTE, who was convicted of larceny but found not guilty of house breaking and larceny on February 17, was yesterday (Mar. 3) sentenced by His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas to serve 18 months in prison with hard labour.
Whyte was found guilty of breaking into the home of Sylvester Francis of Basseterre and stealing a number of items on August 4, 2009.
When asked what he had to say before sentencing, the self-represented Whyte did not apologise for committing the crime but instead asked his Lordship to be lenient with him and begged for a chance.
Whyte said he could do better with his life, and when asked by the judge when he had realised that, he said, “While on remand.”
The social inquiry report was presented by Probation Officer Wingrove George, who revealed that Whyte had no previous conviction and that he had worked at COURTS Ltd. as a delivery man and also at Quality Security as a security officer.
According to the report, Whyte said on the day in question, while walking along Durant Avenue after taking his girlfriend home, he found a black JanSport bag in a drain next to the alley and he took it home with him.
He said that on September 7, while walking on his way from work, police officer Carl Greaux met him and said he was under arrest for housebreaking. He explained that the officer took him to the Basseterre Police Station.
Whyte is said to have come from a dysfunctional home and family and has not appeared to have put any real need and importance on education, but lives a life filled with good morals and ethics.
His Lordship however said that the accused did not show any sign of remorse and it was proven that he was inside Francis’ property.
The maximum sentence for larceny is three years and the judge felt that 18 months was an appropriate sentencing.
