Robber spent stolen cash on shoes, bills after hold-up

An armed robber who targeted a Black Rock supermarket told police he used the stolen money to pay bills and buy clothing, after initially claiming he needed it for medical treatment.

Theophilius Holder of Block 2B, Madison Terrace, Deacons Farm, St Michael pleaded guilty last week in the No. 4 Supreme Court to entering Channell Supermarket and stealing $1 498.84 belonging to Channell Enterprises, and having a knife at the time on April 12, 2023.
He also admitted to unlawfully and maliciously wounding David Alleyne, after denying wounding Alleyne with intent.

Holder reappeared before Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell on Monday when the facts were read into evidence.

Acting Senior State Counsel Paul Prescod told the court that around 3:15 p.m., the convict, who was 29 at the time, entered the supermarket dressed in knee-length black jeans, a grey hoodie, a camouflage mask covering his nose and mouth, and barefoot. 

Armed with the knife, Holder approached one of the cashiers who was conducting a transaction with a customer, reached into the cash pan, removed a sum of money and ran towards the exit. The supervisor on duty alerted Alleyne, the security guard, who attempted to intercept him. Holder struggled with Alleyne and pushed him onto a nearby kiosk before making his escape. Alleyne’s glasses fell off and he struck the left side of his face, resulting in a laceration to the temple and soft tissue injury to the left side of his neck.

Three days later, police officers went to Holder’s residence and he was taken into custody. During his electronic interview, he was asked why he robbed the establishment and replied, “To get money to get my hand fix. It was injured.” He later said: “I buy a pair of shoes, a wallet, a light bill and water bill.”

When he was taken back to the supermarket for a point-out video to be recorded, Holder said: “I want to say sorry for actually frightening the cashier woman. Sorry for going into the cashier. Sorry for licking down the guard you know, nothing else.”

During the investigation, $137 of the stolen money was recovered. Holder handed over a pair of sneakers and a wallet which he bought with the stolen money.

Defence lawyer Zaria Taylor appeared as a friend of the court on Holder’s behalf.

Justice Smith-Bovell ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case until September 11.

(JB)