Repeat offender jailed for two years over shop thefts

A 54-year-old painter with more than 40 previous convictions has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after admitting to stealing watches, insect repellent and groceries from two Bridgetown shops.

Paul Amron Cherubin, of Passage Road, St Michael, appeared in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court and admitted that on April 20 he stole cans of insect repellent and five watches, all totalling $139.75, belonging to F.W. Woolworth, and to stealing goods including condensed milk, peanuts, seamoss, barley and soap worth $132.88 belonging to Popular Discounts on January 17.

Prosecutor Sergeant Kenmore Phillips told the court that a manager reviewed security footage after becoming suspicious upon seeing a basket with the items in an aisle. Cherubin was seen removing the items from the basket and leaving without paying.

In the next case, the accused was observed by a security guard going in and out of the aisle where watches are kept and seen placing items into a bag. When he approached the cashier, he was asked to open the bag, and the repellent and watches were found concealed among clothing. The police were contacted.

Magistrate Manila Renee ordered him to serve 12 months for each of the thefts, to run consecutively.

(JB)