Addict pleads guilty

Last November she came out of prison and today she returns on a 12-month sentence after pleading guilty to stealing last Tuesday.

Keisha Melissa Clarke admitted to acting Magistrate Anika Jackson that she has a drug problem and was willing to return to Marina House (Women’s Addiction Treatment Centre) for further help.

Clarke, 31, of Military Road, Bush Hall, was charged with stealing two purses valued $57; one cosmetic bag valued 40; and $53.45 in cash total value – $150.35 belonging to Natalie White of Highland, St Thomas, on January 15, 2019.

According to Prosecutor, PC Kenmore Phillips, the complainant and her boyfriend parked their van in an area at the Dome Mall, Green Hill, St. Michael, wound up the windows and went into the mall.  He noted that the window to the driver’s side had a problem.

When the couple returned to the vehicle, White noticed the window was down and the items missing. On opening the door, she saw one of her bags.

A male gave the description and name of a woman to the couple and when they reached One Accord Plaza in Warrens, they saw Clarke and called her name and she responded. The couple asked her about the purse and asked to see what was inside the bag she was carrying. They saw some of White’s items and when asked about them, Clarke replied that a man had given them to her.

The matter was reported to the police.

The District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court also heard that there was a warrant for the unemployed woman in another court on a similar matter.

Asked why she stole the items, Clarke said she was hungry and when she got by the vehicle, she pulled down the window, opened the vehicle and took up the items.

Stating that it was not okay to take other people’s property, the acting magistrate noted that Clarke had appeared in court in 2013 and also last July and had come out in November . It was then that Clarke admitted she had a problem with cocaine.

She explained that she had been to all the institutions for treatment.