Browne evades jail time; fined $2 500

By Terresa McCall
Reporter–SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Left~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - KARIM BROWNE escaped a prison sentence yesterday [Thursday, May 22] after pleading guilty to “receiving; an offence that he committed in October, 2007.

The teenager was jointly accused with Bevon Taylor for “building breaking and larceny” and receiving”, which were committed between the 26 and 27 of October 2007.
 
They were accused of breaking into Hanley’s Dental Lab and stealing four Supligen, one bottle of Welches, one bottle of Island Purified Water, three pens, 12 Land leather bags, EC$486.01 and other items. They were also accused of receiving one brown Land leather bag, three pens and other items, knowing the items to be stolen.

At the start on the May 2008 Criminal Assizes on May 13, Browne pleaded guilty to the charge of “receiving” and appeared before the Basseterre High Court yesterday for sentencing.

Browne’s lawyer, Chesley Hamilton during his mitigating plea, asked the court to take into consideration that Browne pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to do so, was incarcerated since March 10, 2008 and would shortly become a father.

Browne’s aunt, Daliah Browne, and his father were offered opportunities to speak on his behalf and they spoke of his character and the plans they have for him should he escape a prison sentence.

His aunt told the court that he is very trustworthy and never failed when called upon to run errands for his family members. His father said that he would very much love to have his son with him in Nevis. The father explained that while there, he intends to have his son work by his side. 

The presiding judge, Justice Francis Belle, fined Browne $2 500 to be paid within six months and, if he fails to do so, a two-year custody sentence would be imposed.