Fined $700 for theft
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MILTON PHIPPS, also known as ‘Shoeshine’, recently escaped a prison sentence when he appeared before a city magistrate for stealing items from the City Drug Store (CDS) 2005 Ltd.
Shoeshine, a popular character especially throughout the Basseterre area, was taken into police custody on September 26, 2011, the day he committed the offence.
According to reports, he entered the establishment, placed two Organic Olive Oil Cream Relaxers and one Gentle Mouthwash in his shoe-shining kit and exited the business without paying for the items.
However, his plan was foiled when the business’ alarm system was triggered, which led to him being stopped and searched.
The search revealed that the items, valued at some EC$90, were in his possession.
He was subsequently remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison for approximately two weeks, and was taken before the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court, Basseterre for trial on October 11.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge and, following mitigating by defence counsel Dr. Henry Browne, Magistrate Simone Bullen-Thompson fined him $700 which is to be paid within two months.
An alternative of four months at Her Majesty’s Prison would be imposed should he fail to pay the sum within the specified period.
