Car thief with 46 previous convictions jailed

After stealing a car, crashing it and fleeing the scene three years ago, Carlos James Brewster was given a starting sentence of four years at Dodds Prison.

After several deductions were made, the Trents, St James man will spend 963 days for unlawfully taking a Toyota Altis car between February 16 and 17, 2021, without the owner’s consent.

Brewster, who already has 46 previous convictions, more than half of which are for burglary and theft, told the court he had nothing to say before the sentence was read.

Giving the four-year starting sentence, Justice Pamela Beckles pointed to the aggravating factors, including the nature and gravity of the offence, the value of the vehicle, not only in money but to the household, and the damage he caused by crashing the car.

She increased the sentence to five years given the high risk of Brewster reoffending, his criminal record and his mature age at the time of the offence.

Noting his remorse and cooperation with the police, the judge deducted one-third for his guilty plea and the 253 days spent on remand.

The court heard that Corey Prescott had parked his car outside his home in Trents Tenantry, St James, on the night of February 16. The next morning was told that his car was seen damaged in Westmoreland. Police were contacted after he confirmed that it was missing.

A man told detectives that Brewster had offered him a ride in the car. Brewster subsequently lost control of the vehicle, ran off Westmoreland Road and crashed into rocks. The duo abandoned the car.

After he was arrested and admitted to taking the vehicle, Brewster gave a written statement saying: “I did take up the car. I know where the key does be, so I just take up the car and drive it ‘way.”