Man jailed for stealing toenail clip

At 62, he’s finding it hard. His children live overseas and he cannot find a job.

That’s what Farley Nigel Smith of Hothersal Turning, St. Michael, told Acting Magistrate Anika Jackson today when he appeared before her in the District ‘A Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to stealing one toenail clip valued $6.99 belonging to Massy Stores on January 15, 2019. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

According to prosecutor PC Kenmore Phillips, the midddle-aged father went to the Health and Beauty section of the store, picked up the item, placed it in his right pants pocket, took up a drink and paid for it, but not for the toenail clip. He was kept under observation and after a search was requested the item was found and the police summoned.

The court was further informed that Smith has another matter in which he was granted personal bail last September or October, but never returned to court.

When asked about it, he said that he went to court the following day but later because of a knee injury was unable to attend court, even though he admitted that he can get around, adding, “I can’t really get around for long, because of my knee injury.”

In handing down sentence, the acting Magistrate told Smith “I don’t believe in giving a fine for stealing. It runs counter to common sense.”

Asked if he had a problem with drugs, alcohol or anything, he said “I would say I have a problem with being able to financially take care of  myself.”

Stating that he grew up in the Bahamas, Smith said he is a mechanic and would do odd jobs, but could find none.