Man remanded after admitting to criminal damage

Edward Dacosta Cumberbatch initially admitted to damaging a window last Saturday, but denied committing theft.

However, after a brief contemplation in dock of the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, the 61-year-old Combermere Street, St Michael resident threw in the towel and admitted that without lawful excuse, he damaged a window belonging to Muhamed Patel and that he stole two cellphones valued $500, US$65 and BDS$340, belonging to Patel.

Both offences occurred on May 24.

Prosecutor Sergeant Reginald Blackman objected to Cumberbatch being granted bail pending sentencing, pointing to the accused’s 40 previous convictions—several of which were for theft–and his pending matters. The officer stressed that it was highly possible that the accused would reoffend if released, and there was a necessity to protect society.

Magistrate Manila Renee remanded Cumberbatch into custody until June 23, when she will hear the facts and sentence him.