BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A young man who was hoping to spend his 23rd birthday a free man, would instead be residing at Her Majesty's Prison for the next three years.
Rodelle Clarke was found guilty on October 23, 2012 for abducting a woman from her home on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and had appeared at the Basseterre High Court before His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas today (Dec. 11) for sentencing.
Clarke, when asked if he had anything to say before judgement was passed, stood in the prison dock and asked for the court's mercy.
"I know I have done certain wrong doing and I have made up my mind to do better. I have a three-year-old daughter who needs my love and guidance. I also have my mother and father who are not doing well and I would like to be able to help them in any way possible," he said.
Also speaking on Clarke's behalf was his father, a retired Police Officer, who told the court that his son's absence in their home would leave the responsibility of caring for his granddaughter resting solely on him and Clarke's mother.
Clarke's father begged the court not to be ruthless when passing judgement.
The convict's Social Inquiry Report described him as one who grew up in a positive environment with parents who paved the correct pathway which he abandoned and allowed friends to persuaded him indulge in an erroneous lifestyle.
Justice Thomas, before handing down his sentence, scolded Clarke for his abhorrent actions.
He told him that the offence he committed was both sad and dangerous.
"Sad because you are the father of the victim's child and dangerous because of the time you committed the crime and the manner in which the crime was committed," Justice Thomas said.
The judge told Clarke that he made a number of threats to the victim and, in addition, he had a knife. Justice Thomas also said the convict was also ordered to stay away from the victim at the time the crime was committed.
"You have come at the ninth hour to beg for leniency. You also mentioned your daughter and your parents, but your Social Inquiry Report said your parents did their best and it appeared you lived in a comfortable surroundings.
"The fact that you come at the ninth hour to beg for leniency does not mean the Court must steer from its obligation to society. It cannot be easy on your father who is a retired officer. It is sheer embarrassment for him to have to stand here and beg for you.
"I am going to send you to prison and I hope at the end of your sentence you come out a new man and start a new life. Give your parents something to be proud of," Justice Thomas told Clarke.
He was then sentenced to serve three years in prison with the time he spent on remand deducted.
According to the facts of the case, Clarke entered the home of the victim while she was asleep with her children and, holding her at knife-point, took her from there against her will and held her for a few hours.
