BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALLISTER FORDE, 21, will have a long time in prison to reflect on the crime he has committed, after His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas sentenced him to 15 years for shooting with intent.
Forde was convicted on September 26, when the 12-member jury found him guilty of shooting at Troy McDonald with intent on December 21, 2010 in Godwin Ghut.
During the trial, McDonald told the court that he was outside his home picking passion fruit when he saw the accused who asked him who he was looking at.
An argument erupted between them and Forde disappeared into the Marsham’s home and returned with a firearm, firing two shots at McDonald.
The first shot hit a stone on the ground which hit McDonald on his knee and the second shot hit a shed in the yard.
McDonald then ran inside for cover and called the police and his step-father.
When asked if he had anything to say before the court, Forde who was unrepresented asked His Lordship for mercy knowing his condition.
Forde is unable to walk on his own and claims that he has over 60 pellets in his body.
He said he would like to be placed on a bond or given a fine so that he would be able to see a professional doctor to receive medical attention.
His sister, Nicola Murray also spoke on his behalf and said that her little brother is very helpful and compassionate and asked the court to be lenient and to free him.
“Where have you been dreaming?” the Judge asked in response to her request of her brother being free.
According to the social inquiry prepared by Probation Officer, Wingrove George, Forde is a person with serious issues and has a short fuse.
He is described as a conceited and anti-social person, who lived a life of terrorizing people and as one who is cold and unrepentant of his actions.
Although it is his first time at the High Court, he has a total of eight convictions in the magistrate court.
Justice Thomas said that the maximum amount of years for the crime is 20 years imprisonment.
“Gun crime is multiplying at a rapid rate in this country….
“There was no gun brought into evidence, the court does not know where the gun went but the evidence shows there was a gun involved. This incident was totally unprovoked,” the judge said.
He continued: “Little St. Kitts cannot continue with the gun crimes; the judge will deal with it when they come to court.”
His Lordship said that McDonald told the court he was picking passion fruit when Forde asked him what he was watching him for.
“In a blink of an eye you went into the Marsham home and returned with a gun.
“You had no disregard for the law or human condition. You don’t care, your gun was ready, well, the court is ready too!”
“You don’t deserve sympathy; this type of behavior cannot prevail! You will spend 15 years in prison hard labour! Time spent on remand will be considered. May the Lord bless your soul!”
