WIBISCO thief, running out of chances for addiction help, jailed

Despite pleas for help with his cocaine habit, a 31-year-old self-confessed drug addict was Monday jailed for six months in prison for theft.

Everton Rommell Brathwaite of 4th Avenue Pickwick Gap, St Michael pleaded guilty to entering The West India Biscuit Company (WIBISCO) at Gills Road, Whitepark, between March 5 and 6 and stealing items worth $520 from the factory locker room. Those items included 15 spanners, air plugs, coffee, blade, metal detector, toolbox and hand sanitizer.

Brathwaite apologised to District “A”

Magistrate Manila Renee saying that he was “battling problems in his life” and had taken responsibility for his actions. He told the magistrate it was not his intention to waste the court’s time and wanted the opportunity to compensate the business. He also asked for help with his drug problem.

Brathwaite’s lawyer, Shadia Simpson, told the court that despite her client’s long history of offences, the court should not only consider deterrence but rehabilitation in passing sentence. She said her client’s “actions were symptomatic of a deeper issue” and that “beating cocaine was extremely difficult”. The lawyer suggested remand to the Psychiatric Hospital.

But the magistrate said that in looking at his convictions, Brathwaite had numerous chances to seek help. She then imposed the six-month sentence. (TS)