Police trainee gets two years’ probation for stealing from fellow recruit

Jamaal December, the police trainee who was charged last month with stealing from a fellow recruit, was on Monday sentenced to two years on probation as well as counselling for recommendation to the USAID’s Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) programme.

December, 18, last month pleaded guilty to stealing $9,000 and a $5,000 Polo wallet from Luther Hoyte on August 26, at the Felix Austin College, Eve Leary.

At his sentencing, Magistrate Leron Daly heard the probation report that was requested on December. In the report, it was highlighted that the teen was extremely remorseful for the crime that he had committed and wished to express an apology to his batch mate, those in charge of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and family members for the embarrassment and shame he would have brought them.

Afterward, the court heard from the teen’s attorney, Eusi Anderson, who requested that it take into consideration the fact that his client is coming from a single-parent home, his remorse and his young age.

Attorney Anderson further argued that December is not a candidate for custody.

After hearing the lawyer’s submissions, the magistrate sentenced December to two years on probation as well as counselling for recommendation to the SKYE programme.