BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - EUGENE BROWNE was spared jail time by His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas on Tuesday (Dec. 11) at the Basseterre High Court, where he appeared for his sentencing hearing following a guilty plea to unlawful wounding.
Browne was charged with one count each of robbery, wounding with intent and unlawful wounding of Jason Williams, all committed on January 10, 2012 in Basseterre, but he pleaded guilty to the latter charge on October 30, 2012.
At sentencing, when asked if he had anything to say before the Court passed judgement on him, Browne stood in the prisoner's dock and simply acknowledged his wrong doing and asked to pay a fine instead of being sent to prison.
"I know I did something wrong. I have my job and I would like to pay a fine," he said.
His Social Inquiry Report stated that he grew up in a home that was not good for his development.
It also described him as academically challenged.
It further stated that his explanation of what transpired when he wounded the virtual complainant was clear and that he showed no remorse for what took place.
The judge, making reference to the doctor's testimony, said that the injuries Williams sustained - five stabs wounds about his body - were not serious or life threatening.
Justice Thomas, before passing judgement, told Browne that charging him a fine was exactly the way the he had planned to go, noting that it was not his mitigating plea that steered the Court in that direction.
Browne was ordered to pay a fine of EC$1 000 in six months and if in default he would spend eight months in prison.
The fine was reduced by one third due to his guilty plea, leaving him to pay EC$700 within six month period or eight months.
"This is your chance, stay out of trouble. Go do your job," the judge told Browne before setting him free.
