Smith pleads guilty after almost six months on remand

When he first appeared before a Bridgetown court back in February 64-year-old Farley Nigel Smith denied handling stolen property and was remanded to Dodds.

On his first appearance the Crown had objected to bail on the grounds that there was a likelihood that Smith would re-offend as he had been before court that same month in connection with a similar offence and was placed on a bond.

The prosecutor also pointed to the seriousness of the charge and Smith’s antecedents which showed a propensity to commit such crimes.

However, when the Lightfoot Lane, St Michael resident reappeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today he pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining a case of malt belonging to Asif Bhikhu on February 22 knowing or believing it to be stolen.

Appearing as a friend of the court attorney-at-law Andrew Pilgrim, Q.C. mitigated on Smith’s behalf telling Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant that the convicted man had a  “serious problem with substance abuse” and that his aim was to get himself as close to sobriety as possible.

“It is something that he has to do,” Pilgrim said.

The Queen’s Counsel admitted that it would be a challenge for Smith when he heads back into society adding that there have been successes and failures by others who have undertaken such a feat.

“It is a difficult task,” Pilgrim added moments before Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant sentenced Smith to time served for the five months and 18 days he had already spent on remand at HMP Dodds.

And while the shackles came off of Smith today and he was allowed to walk free, he must return to the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on February 9, 2021 where a pending matter against him is expected to continue.