King jailed for theft after Prince denies knowing him

Convicted thief Winston Leroy King recently declared that the man from whom he stole a bicycle was his brother.

However, when the virtual complainant, Joseph Prince, appeared before the
District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Friday, he said he only knew King “by seeing
him”.

King, 51, of 7th Avenue Belleville, St Michael, had previously pleaded guilty to stealing an $800 bicycle belonging to Prince on March 6, 2023.

According to the facts, Prince had parked his bicycle at a shop around 11:30 a.m. on that day and went inside to conduct business. While inside, he saw King jumping on the bicycle and riding away. He pursued him but was unable to catch him.

Prince confirmed the story before Magistrate Bernadeth John and added, “That is not my first bicycle that he carry way, that’s the second
one.”

Asked whether he knew the man who stole his property, Prince replied, “I know him by seeing him.”

King had previously told the magistrate: “This is my brother on my father’s side. I had to drop some limes so I took it [the bicycle] up. I say he will only quarrel, and we will be good . . . . I get intoxicated in Carrington Village and went home . . . . I don’t know where I drop the bicycle. He is my brother. I can give him back a bicycle.”

When he was caught in his lie on Friday, he said, “I know I wrong for taking Prince bicycle. I know Prince for years . . . . He is my friend, I does call him my brother.”

The convicted man said he was willing to compensate the complainant.

“I got money. I going to pay for the bicycle if you allow me to get my cheques,” said King who has previous convictions.

The magistrate then gave him a combination sentence. He was sentenced to nine months, minus the six months he had already spent on remand, and ordered to compensate Prince for the bicycle. 

King has one month after he has served his sentence to pay the money, or he will spend another month in prison.

“Don’t come to court and tell lies. See people’s things and leave them alone,” Magistrate John told King.