Alleged thief nabbed with 'hand in cookie jar'

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

A man who was allegedly caught red-handed stealing a bottle of white overproof rum was sentenced when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, possession of an offensive weapon, and breaches of the Spirit License Act is Daniel Green of Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11. Green pleaded "guilty with explanation" to the charges.

The crown led evidence that on April 6, the accused man was allegedly caught by the complainant stealing a 250ml bottle of white overproof rum from her place of business. It is believed that the complainant made a report to the police, and the accused man was later pointed out. Green allegedly made a hasty retreat when he saw the lawmen, but was soon accosted.

It is believed that the accused man operates a stall in which lawmen commissioned a search. The police allegedly discovered a quantity of ganja and a knife.

He was subsequently arrested and charged.

In court, Green explained to Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that he had a "little business" in which he peddles various items. After his explanation that didn't appear to clarify the alleged theft of rum, RM Pusey made further inquires.

"She catch you, you know? Hand in the cookie jar. She said she caught you stealing it," RM Pusey said.

The court heard that the accused man has had prior run-ins with the law.

The sitting magistrate ordered Green to pay a fine of $100 or serve 10 days for possession of ganja; pay a fine of $200 or serve 10 days for dealing in ganja; pay a fine of $500 or serve 10 days for breaches of the Spirit License Act; pay a fine of $4,000 or serve 10 days for possession of an offensive weapon; and ordered to pay a fine of $25,000 or serve six months for simple larceny. A fingerprint order was also made against him.