Popular thief gets suspended sentence

Andrew Sylvester Moore was hit with a six-month sentence after admitting to stealing soap from a supermarket and two non-matching shoes from a store display.

However, the sentence has been suspended for 12 months, which means if the 46-year-old of no fixed place of abode does not get into trouble within that time, he will not have to serve the time.

Moore had pleaded guilty to stealing a packet of soap worth $7 belonging to BJ’s Value Mart, trading as Popular Discount, on June 9. He also admitted to stealing two shoes valued at $100, belonging to Samer Akkari, the same day.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes heard that Moore entered the supermarket and the security officer observed him perusing the aisle and acting suspiciously. According to prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Taitt, the man was kept under observation and was seen placing the soap in a bag. When the security officer approached him and asked what he was doing, he claimed he did not have anything.

Moore was then detained until police arrived. When he was interviewed and told about the report of theft, he said he was “guilty”.

The soap was found in the bag along with two right-foot shoes. Asked to account for the footwear, Moore told lawmen that he got them from the Salvation Army.

However, investigations revealed that the shoes were stolen from a store. A sales representative confirmed they had been missing from a display table.