An unemployed man with a track record for theft will spend more time in jail after admitting to his latest bout of stealing.
Lawrence Nathaniel Hayden Blunte, of 3J Division Drive, Eden Lodge, St Michael, admitted stealing four cases of beer worth $230, and a $200 radio from Nicholas King sometime between March 23 and 24. The 40-year-old also trespassed at Beulah Ellis’ home and stole her $300 iPhone on March 24.
Prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons told the District “A” Magistrates’ Court yesterday that King left his van parked outside his house, but forgot to secure the driver’s window. When he returned the next morning, he discovered the rear left passenger door open. A check revealed the drinks and radio missing. Investigations led to Blunte. However, the property was not recovered.
Gibbons added that Ellis reported plugging in her iPhone to charge before going to sleep. While turning in her bed, she saw the figure of a man walking in the passageway. She shouted at the man, who ran into the bathroom, climbed through the window and escaped. Blunte was interviewed and said he sold the phone for $20.
He also pleaded guilty to damaging a truck belonging to Confectionary and Snacks (Barbados) Ltd between March 15 and 16; as well as a $75 hammer, $300 stereo and $350 battery belonging to Imran Mohamed on March 16.
The prosecutor told Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant the driver secured the truck after work and left the premises. Next day, he found it damaged with dents to the rear. When questioned, Blunte admitted to the damage, saying he was looking for something to eat.
Mohamed owned a fleet of 19 vehicles, among them minibuses and a Hiab truck. While checking the vehicles before their daily journey, he noticed the wires on the dashboard of one of the minibuses exposed and the stereo missing. He also realised one of the batteries from the Hiab was missing, along with a hammer that was next to his gate.
On review of his security footage, he saw a man leaving the compound with the items.
Blunte, who had ten previous convictions – nine for theft – was sentenced as follows:
• 12 months in jail for the drinks;
• 12 months – to run consecutively – for stealing the iPhone and battery; and
• 12 months, to run concurrently, for damaging the vehicle. (RA)
