Shooter apologises to society

Tevin Ramon Skeete who was found guilty of using a firearm while at St Elmo’s Mini Mart in St Lucy, nine years ago, has apologised for his actions saying he was misled.

The Crab Hill, St Lucy resident made the comments as he addressed No. 3 Supreme Court Judge Carlisle Greaves this morning from his location at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds, during a Zoom hearing.

A nine-member jury found him guilty of using the firearm in a public place on January 14, 2011 but not guilty of unlawfully and maliciously engaging in conduct when he allegedly shot at officer Ewin Norville, placing him in danger of death or serious bodily harm.

“I have acknowledged my mistakes and my wrongdoings and I would like to apologise if I have caused any stress to society and to this court. I am truly sorry for the offence that was committed and I would like an opportunity to contribute to society in a good way possible,” the father of two said.

He revealed that he had several plans for his life including going to work with his grandfather on his release, becoming an entrepreneur and a good role model and responsible father to his children.

“I myself never had a father to do these things for me because my father died when I was still a small child and I would not like anyone to mislead my children as I was misled or to go through the pressures and challenges that I had to go through as well. I would like the court to know that I have made some changes in my life while in prison,” Skeete explained.

His address came after the prosecutor, Senior Crown Counsel Olivia Davis submitted that Skeete be given a starting sentence of 12 years in prison for the offence.

However his attorneys-at-law Shadia Simpson and Davidson Porter believe that given the mitigating and aggrieving features of the case the accused should get a starting sentence of seven years.

The convict who has spent 1,052 days on remand at Dodds will reappear before Justice Greaves on June 19 for sentencing.