Man confesses to thefts two years after denying charges

Two years after denying he stole from three businesses, Fredrick Alfred Haynes has now admitted to the thefts.

The 53-year-old, who lives at Drayton Close, Enterprise, Christ Church, has been placed on a nine-month bond to keep the peace after pleading guilty before Acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick.

The charges include stealing spray, luncheon meat, chicken wings, chicken nuggets and hamburgers worth $110.25 from ANSR Investments Limited on April 9, 2024. On April 18, 2024, he also stole corned beef and sausages worth $19.50 from Lewis Drug Mart and, on the same day, took chicken sticks, chicken nuggets, wieners and deodorant worth $105.62 from Massy Stores.

When his matters were called in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Friday, prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Leacock told the court that the trial could not start because the witnesses were not present and asked for an adjournment.

However, Haynes told the court that he wanted to plead guilty to the charges.

The court heard that on April 9, 2024, the managing director of ANSR, which operates the Esso Worthing service station, received a call about stolen items. Security footage was reviewed, showing the perpetrator, and a report was made to police.

Haynes was taken into custody in relation to the other two cases and, while in custody, mentioned the service station and taking the items.

Haynes, who had 32 previous convictions, told the court: “At that time of my life, I was addicted to crack cocaine. I am very remorseful. I am working now and looking after my son. I made the choice to get clean because I did not want him to see me ‘prickle’.”

“You have unburdened your conscience and admitted that you were wrong. You are in a different place than you were. I will give you a chance to stay on the straight and narrow,” Frederick said as he placed Haynes on the bond.

If he breaches the bond, Haynes will be jailed for three months.
(JB)