Ex-con jailed for Regent St burglary

Ex-convict Devon Rodney will spend another stint in prison after he admitted to breaking into an establishment and stealing over $150,000 worth of items.

On March 11, Hugh October secured his Regent Street bar and restaurant and retired to bed. When he awoke the next morning, the businessman noticed the western door of his business opened. Concerned, an inspection was made and $108,740 in cash, a gas cylinder valued $11,000 and $33,400 worth of beverages were discovered missing.

A quick check of his surveillance cameras showed the perpetrator in the commission of the act. Armed with the evidence, the man went to the police and informed them of the crime. Acting on the information received, officers confronted Rodney, who was subsequently charged.

Unfortunately for Rodney, none of the stolen items were recovered. When allowed to plead to the crime, Rodney admitted that he had been the culprit.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry informed the man that the offence carried a penalty of up to five years imprisonment then allowed him the opportunity to speak. However, Rodney declined.

Prosecutor Michael Grant relayed to the courtroom that the defendant had been convicted for similar offences before. However, Rodney denied any knowledge of any such convictions and said that he had been convicted previously but for littering.

Given a final opportunity to speak, Rodney asked the magistrate for two years imprisonment, arguing that he had not wasted the court’s time.

Taking all of the information into consideration, Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced to a year-long stay in the Camp Street Prison.