Man who broke into two churches begs for court’s mercy, admits poor choices

Jamal Ahmal Skeete begged for forgiveness and pleaded for mercy after admitting to breaking into and stealing from two churches.

“I am not a troublemaker . . . I am a good boy who just made poor choices,” the 32-year-old who is recorded as having no fixed place of abode said on Thursday after pleading guilty to three counts of sacrilege before Madam Justice Pamela Beckles in the No. 5 Supreme Court.

He admitted to entering Mount Pisgah Spiritual Baptist Church, a divine place of worship, between February 1 and 2, 2018, with intent to commit theft.

Skeete, who is represented by attorney-at-law Sade Harris, also admitted to entering the Way Truth Ministries between February 6 and 7, 2018 and stealing four cartons of juice, a sugar canister, a malt, and $744.14 cash, with a total value of $776.44. He entered that place of worship again between February 8 and 9 and stole two packs of scrubbers, a box of garbage bags, two tins of powder, four bottles of window cleaner, three bottles of toilet cleaner, six cans of air freshener, a gallon of disinfectant and a pack of cloth wipes worth $72.75.

Addressing the court, Skeete said he had been introduced to cocaine and became heavily dependent on it after losing his job.

“What has brought me before this court is a grave and unfortunate mistake . . . a poor judgement call,” he said as he promised to do better if given the chance.

“My sincerest apology . . . . I plead for mercy in relation to the matter that is now before the court . . . .”

Principal State Counsel Krystal Delaney, in outlining the facts, said in all three instances authorities at the churches had secured the facilities but discovered the break-ins and items missing on their return.

When Skeete was taken into custody, he told police: “I don’t know why I went in there and move them things. I sorry and I ask for forgiveness.”

The prosecutor and defence agreed that Skeete should be assessed for the drug rehabilitation programme at Verdun House.

He returns to the court on February 23.