Youths get chance to keep clean records

All but two of seven young men between the ages of 16 and 20 who found themselves in trouble with the law on a joint burglary charge will have to perform 160 hours of community service for their crime.

“They are positive young men who had a misguided moment of peer activity. I believe that 160 hours of community service is sufficient to send a message to the youngsters,” attorney-at-law Alvan Babb who represented three of the young men told Magistrate Douglas Frederick today.

Babb was speaking during the case involving 16-year-old Jadario Jelina Murray, of Cherry Tree, Clevedale Road, Black Rock, St Michael; 19-year-old Sadayo Tehuti Lakista Cox, of Goddard’s Road, St Stephens, St Michael; 18-year-old Tremaine Akeem Bruce, of Free Hill, Black Rock, St Michael; 18-year-old Jamar Andre Corey Arthur, also of Goddard’s Road and Rashawn Steven Waterman, 20, Chae Stefan Roach, 19 and 18-year-old Shaquan Ethan Boyce, all of St Stephens Hill, St Michael.

They had been charged of entering La Cabane Bar and Restaurant as trespassers and stealing a $40 surge protector, 30 beers worth $90, two scrubbing brushes worth $15, two packs of sugar worth $20 and a $10 strainer on September 24, 2018.

Pre-sentencing reports had been ordered on them after their first appearance before Magistrate Frederick. However, reports are still pending for Cox and Boyce.

“Your role is important to keep them away from the system. Remind them this is not the road for them,” Frederick told the sureties for the seven before speaking to the young men.

“These chains that you see [the prisoners in] are not for you. Look for positive things to do. This is a golden opportunity to keep your record clean,” the youth were advised.

Cox and Boyce return to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on May 3, 2019 to find
out their fate while the other five will reappear on July 26, 2019 for an update on their service.