Father of 12 accused of stealing water pump from employer

Magistrate Allan Wilson remanded a father of 12 accused of stealing a water pressure pump from his employer, when he yesterday appeared in court to answer to the charge.

The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court heard that on February 20, John Smith, of Broad Street, Charlestown allegedly stole the pump from his employer Margaret Younge at her Lot 25 Saffon Street, Charlestown home where he was employed as a handyman.

According to the facts of the case, on the said day, Younge left the defendant unsupervised for about 30 minutes.

She later saw him through her window entering her premises through an eastern fence. When she enquired about his actions the man allegedly told her that he had been fetching water from there.

Younge later made checks for the said pump and was told by another employee that the accused had thrown it over the fence and made good his escape with it.

At first, Smith pleaded guilty to the charge but when the court was about to hand down his sentence he said that he had made a mistake by pleading guilty as he was confused. He then changed his plea to not guilty stating that he did not have the pump.

He was remanded and ordered to appear in court on March 15.