Theft accused tells court two dozen previous convictions were nothing serious

Well-known thief Rodney David Anthony maintains that the 24 convictions on his record are nothing more than “petty crimes”.

He made that submission as he made an application for bail before Magistrate Manila Renee on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old, who is said to have no fixed place of abode, is accused of stealing a gas cylinder belonging to Margaret Squires on December 12 and another on December 16, 2021.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court located at Cane Garden, St Thomas.

Station Sergeant Vernon Waithe objected to bail for Anthony on the grounds that he had no fixed place of abode and he might not turn up for court.

The prosecutor stated that Anthony had a number of antecedents, most of a similar nature to the charges now before the court. He expressed concern that the accused would re-offend, saying that there was a need to protect society.

Waithe also pointed to the strength of the evidence against Anthony, telling the court that there was CCTV footage.

In his bail application, the accused stated: “First things first, I live someplace – by my mother that is how I get clothes. I does live at a fixed place of abode, St Matthias Housing Area.”

Anthony explained that despite his antecedents, he had not been in legal trouble for the last five years.

“I don’t get into nothing with the police. I am not a threat to anybody, is only this incident with the gas bottles. I don’t give any trouble,” he insisted.

When Magistrate Manila Renee pointed out that he had 24 convictions, most for offences under the Theft Act, Anthony replied: “Petty crimes.”

But the judicial officer responded that they were “not petty crimes” as many of the offences were for breaking and entering.

Anthony added: “I don’t see that as a reason for a man not to get bail. Ma’am, I don’t give no trouble.”

Asked whether he had someone to sign bail on his behalf, the accused answered in the affirmative and gave police officers a name. However, no one had turned up by the end of the day’s sitting.

Anthony was remanded until February 15 when he next appears in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court.