Man jailed for harbouring fugitive murderer

A Christ Church man who admitted harbouring a convicted murderer on the run has been sentenced to two years in Dodds Prison after the court found he knowingly assisted the fugitive and misled police.

Kevin Jason Omar Gabriel, of Kendal Hill B, pleaded guilty in the No. 4 Supreme Court during an earlier session of the Continuous Assizes that, knowing or believing that Scott Harewood had committed the offence of murder, he, without lawful authority, provided a place of abode for Harewood, with intent to impede his apprehension or prosecution on July 11, 2014.

State Counsel Maya Kellman prosecuted the case, while defence counsel Kellyann Blackman represented Gabriel.

Noting that, by his own admission, he knew the fugitive was wanted for murder and had assisted Harewood over a period of time, appeared to have received payment for harbouring him, and lied to police when they first came to his residence, Justice Laurie-Anne Smith-Bovell stated that six years was an appropriate starting point for sentencing.

His five previous convictions for drugs and theft were also found to be aggravating, but no further adjustment was made.

Two years were deducted for his guilty plea and another two for the delay in the matter reaching the court. He had spent no time on remand and was sentenced to serve two years.

The court had previously heard that Harewood had been found hiding in the ceiling of Gabriel’s house.

In his written statement, Gabriel said that Ratty (Harewood) came to his house, saying he had been sent there to ‘hold out’.

He said: “I know that Ratty was wanted by the police for murder. He told me so, and I heard the talk on the streets. I was doing a favour for him. The police came by me last Friday and I tell Ratty them outside and he hide and still get hold. I was brought to Oistins Police Station and I knew he was telling police lies when he gave them the wrong name and address. I am sorry that I help Ratty hide out from the police at my home.”

(JB)