Man with 37 prior convictions sentenced for driving stolen car

Peter Shawn Harding told a Bridgetown court that he was unaware he was driving a stolen vehicle.

The 55-year-old resident of Jackson, St Michael, pleaded guilty in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to taking a Toyota Corolla between May 24 and 26, without the consent of the owner Lloyadalia Smith.

Prosecutor Sergeant Reginald Blackman told the court that Smith is employed at Two Sons Funeral Home on Stadium Road, St Michael. The car was having mechanical issues and was parked on the compound of her workplace, awaiting repair.

On May 24, she left the keys in the vehicle, which was unlocked. When she returned, the car was missing, and she contacted the police.

Addressing the court, Harding, who has 37 previous convictions, said that he was in a bar at Tweedside Road and met a man he had known “back in the days”.

“We left there, and he was intoxicated and asked me to drive. He told me he was going to Jamaica the same morning. We went to Rendezvous gas station and had more drinks, and then I took him to the airport. It was an honest mistake. If I had known the car was stolen, I would not have driven it,” he said.

However, Magistrate Manila Renee chastised him, saying, “You have 37 previous convictions, and you are still continuing a life of crime.”

Pointing out that he had not wasted the court’s time, had cooperated with police, and the car was returned to the rightful owner, the magistrate ordered Harding to spend six months in jail for the offence.