Accused pleads for compassion

Dropping to his knees in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court today a 41-year-old man begged for leniency even though he also declared “I know nothing of the incident. Honest to God”.

Accused Thomas Andrew Bailey, of no fixed place of abode, was addressing Magistrate Alison Burke as he made reference to three criminal charges levelled against him most of which allegedly took place last year.

Bailey is charged with entering Vashti Inniss Empowerment building as a trespasser, between October 21 and 22, 2020 and stealing a grocery list of items including potatoes, macaroni, sugar, rice, flour, chowmein, box juices, cornmeal, oats, eggs, milk, tuna and tea bags. The goods totalled $120.21 and belonged to the HIV Food Bank.

The accused is also alleged to have entered The Print Company, between December 10 and 11, 2020 as a trespasser with intent to steal and again between December 29 and 30 where he reportedly made away with 20 rolls of toilet paper and ten rolls of paper towels worth $82 belonging to the business.

Bailey was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

It is further alleged that on March 5, this year, being a reputed thief, he loitered on the premises of the HIV Food Bank with cause to believe that he was about to commit an arrestable offence. No plea was taken from him in that matter.

It was at that time that Bailey suddenly dropped to his knees prompting the magistrate and prosecutors to asked him to stand.

“I asking for leniency, a CRD [conviction, reprimand and discharge], a suspended sentence please, please,” Bailey pleaded.

Prosecutor Station Sergeant Cameron Gibbons made a submission for Bailey to be released into the custody of police where further investigations are to be carried out.

The submission was granted and the accused is expected to reappear before Magistrate Burke tomorrow – March 10.