Nevispages Reporter
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)– The weekly sittings of the District ‘C’ Magistrate Court resumed on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 after the court went on a short break for the Christmas Season.
A number of cases were listed to be heard but most of the matters were adjourned until later dates. As a result only two matters were tried before Her Honor, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke.
There was one case of larceny, and the other of possession of cannabis.
The facts of the larceny matter were read in court by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Stephens Hector. Hector indicated that on November 6, 2014 Isabel Palmer made a report to the Charlestown Police Station stating that one (1) Outliner Haircutting Machine was stolen from her barber shop.
The machine valued a total of $310.00 E.C. dollars. Police Officers reviewed the surveillance camera at her establishment and as a result Calvin Samuel was questioned by the police. According to the officer, Samuel denied stealing the machine. However, officers conducted a search of his premises and the stolen item was found. When questioned by officers, the defendant said that he was drunk on the night and he did not intend to steal the haircutter.
Samuel said he made a terrible mistake. He told the court that he was drinking heavily that night and the incident had embarrassed his wife and children.
“Are you saying you did not know what you were doing?” Magistrate Clarke asked. Samuel answered, “Yes! I was intoxicated. I made a mistake”.
The ‘mistake’ as he termed his actions caused Samuel to pay $1500.00 for a $310.00 outliner haircutting machine. He was given three months to pay the fine or in default he would serve three months imprisonment.
Also fined on Tuesday’s court sitting was Joseph Belgrave of Fountain Village. On November 13, 2014 Constable Boone and other officers conducted a search on the premises of the defendant. While searching the defendant’s bedroom, officers found a small quantity of vegetable material suspected to be cannabis and one cigarette roll also containing cannabis. Police were also able to retrieve 3 seedlings growing outside in the backyard.
When questioned about the findings, Belgrave said “it’s just a little bit of weed”.
He was fined $500.00 to be paid in 3 months or in default he would serve three months at Her Majesty’s Prison in St. Kitts.