15 years for stealing bath soap…
By Terresa McCall
SKNVibes-Reporter
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Ivan James
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IVAN JAMES’ past may have gone before him and may have been one of the determining factors in the 15-year sentence handed down to him yesterday as chastisement for his illegal deeds.
James was charged with burgulary, committed on August 18, 2007, and according to the particulars of the case, he broke into the home of Ebenezer Gumbs, located at Newtown, St. Kitts, from which he operates a shop, and stole 10 bottles of Clorox, 36 packers of soap powder, one case of Lux beauty soap, one case of Lifeboy soap, 15 bars of Ivory soap, all to the tune of EC$244.90.
According to evidence presented in the case, Gumbs’ shop is overseen by another, as he is unable to do so, and on August 17, 2007 the overseer secured the premises and went to bed.
He explained that sometime between 12:00 midnight and 1:30 a.m. on August 18, 2007, he heard a noise that got progressively louder and when he went to investigate he saw the accused. The overseer said it was not until after he got a good look at the accused face that he fled the scene. ~~Adz:Right~~
He further explained that when he looked on the outside of the house, he saw the stolen items in the backyard.
The Police were notified and James was arrested and charged following investigations.
Sometime yesterday morning, a 12-member jury retired for deliberations and in less than 15 minutes returned to the courtroom and informed that they had unanimously convicted the accused of the offence.
Before passing sentence, presiding Judge Justice Albert Redhead spoke of James’ rap sheet which indicated that he was convicted for 10 previous offences, all of which were larceny-related.
His Lordship referred to James as “a menace to society” and sentenced him to serve 15 years with hard labour at Her Majesty’s Prison.
