Jules escapes prison sentence
…fined $2 500
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 |
| (L)Jemuel Jules, 19, of St. Pauls left the court this morning relieved, having been issued a fine for the offence of “housebreaking and larceny” as opposed to being sentenced to serve jail time |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AFTER pleading for a lenient sentence, 19-year-old Jemuel Jules of St. Pauls escaped custodial sentencing and was ordered to pay a $2 500 fine.
At the start of the May 2008 Criminal Assizes, Jules told the court that he was guilty of the “house breaking and larceny” offence with which he was charged.
According to the facts of the case, Randolph Francis secured his grocery store at about 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 and on his return at about 5:00 the following morning, he discovered that the bathroom window was broken and a number of items were missing from within the business establishment.
The missing items were one green and black flashlight, 15 ($10) Cable and Wireless phone cards, 10 ($10) Digicel phone cards and $89 in coins.
Subsequently, Jules’ home was searched and the items were found, which resulted in the charge preferred against him.
Earlier today, before sentencing was passed, Jules addressed the court and expressed his regret for what he did and entreated the court for leniency. ~~Adz:Right~~
“I am very sorry for what I have done and I will never do it again,” Jules said, and told the court that in a matter of months he would be a father and needs to be able to take care of his child. He added that his desire is to assist his mother with the payment of her rent.
Seeking to add to his plea in mitigation, Jules explained, “I am St. Pauls’ bull and I want to go out and enjoy myself.”
In response, the presiding judge, Justice Francis Belle, told Jules that because he has no criminal record known to the Basseterre High Court, and the fact that he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity as well as the prison is “overcrowded”, a non-custodial sentence would be more appropriate.
“We don’t like to send first offenders to jail if we can avoid it”, Justice Belle said and proceeded to fine the young man $2 500 which is to be paid within the next six months. If he fails to comply, an 18-month custodial sentence would be imposed.
