2 years for Vieux Fort man, after burglarizing Brisitsh nationals
A 35-year-old man from Vieux Fort will spend an additional two years and six months behind bars for stealing from a British couple.
Berkinshore Poleone was sentenced earlier today at the High Court by Justice Kenneth Benjamin.
According to the facts relayed by Prosecutor Seryhoza Cenac, the incident occurred between March and September 26, 2008.
The items stolen included furniture, clothing, tools, appliances, valued up to about EC$ 30,000.
Prosecutor Cenac stated that the British nationals left St. Lucia during the period previously mentioned, securing their residence.
However it was broken into via a window, by the defendant.
The defendant has a litany of similar offenses, one for which he is currently serving a two-year sentence. However, Justice Benjamin took into consideration the fact that he has been remorseful and cooperative with the police from the time of his arrest.
These mitigating factors were presented by Defense Attorney Alfred Alcide, who also stated that the defendant has 4 children, ages ranging from 4 to 12.
Alcide stated that the only aggravating factor is the amount of items stolen. He asked the judge to be lenient on the defendant, adding that at the time he was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.
Most of the items were recovered by the police. A restitution order was made to have them returned to their rightful owners.