A young man now awaits sentencing for stealing a gold band, which he blamed on threats by the mother of his children to take him to court for child support.
Jason Thomas appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on the charge that on June 22nd, at Regent and Wellington streets, he stole a gold band, valued $120,000, from Clairann Rambarran.
Thomas pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge.
According to police prosecutor Adduni Inniss, on the day in question, Rambarran was walking when Thomas went up beside her, held on to her right hand and pulled off the band.
Thomas, according to the prosecutor, then ran away. An alarm was raised by the complainant’s sister, who was with her at the time, and police ranks, who were in the area, later apprehended Thomas. He was identified by Rambarran as the man who robbed her. Thomas was then searched by the police and the band was found in one of his pockets. He later admitted to stealing the band.
Questioned by the court as to his reason for committing the crime, Thomas stated that the mother of his children was asking him for money and was threatening to take him to court. Thomas added that he told her that “Yuh don’t jus get money jus suh.” According to him, she told him that if he did not have the money by 1 pm that day he would be taken to court.
Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus then ordered a probation report.
The probation officer later informed the court that upon speaking with the accused, he was told that at the time the crime was committed Thomas was under the influence of alcohol and was being pressured by the mother of his children, who threatened to take him to court. The officer noted that he learnt that the accused had matters of a similar nature prior to the current charge.
The officer stated that he also spoke to Thomas’ mother, who expressed shame that her son was involved in such a matter. The court also heard that the Rambarran remains traumatised after the incident and would have also sustained injuries to her hand. The probation officer also suggested that Rambarran be counselled. This request was supported by the court and the probation officer was directed to commence counselling.
The prosecution was also ordered to verify what, if any, other charges Thomas may have.
Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus later adjourned the matter until July 8th, when sentencing is expected to take place.
