分类： crime

SOURCE: ANITGUA OBSERVER- A 30-year-old man who committed theft twice in a single day at Automotive Art, has been fined $500 for each offence or face 30 days imprisonment.

On the morning of July 3rd, Morris Daniel made a purchase at the business and paid the cashier for a few items but discreetly pushed aside a water-based paint and subsequently left without paying for it.

Later that same day, he returned to the establishment and was observed repeating the same act, which led to the police being called.

However, Daniel, who had already left the store, was identified after the floor supervisor was informed of the incident, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. When the police arrived at his residence, the paint was discovered in his home.

Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, who reviewed the case yesterday, inquired about the quantity of paint and asked the defendant to explain his actions.

Daniel told the court that the two cans of paint, which amounted to $128, was beyond his financial means, that he had numerous bills to settle and he was under considerable stress.

However, Magistrate Wason did not find this justification acceptable. He said that what troubled him most was Daniel’s audacity to return to the business and commit the offence again, and informed the defendant that he now had a larger financial obligation to fulfill.

Additionally, Daniel was ordered to compensate Automotive Art $128 for the water-based paint.

Two men accused of stealing items worth over $137,000 from the Deep Water Harbour Warehouse remain on remand as their bail application awaits review.

The suspects — a 33-year-old from Point and a 44-year-old from Villa — appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, who denied bail pending a hearing set for 11 December.

Their attorney argued that a similar High Court case resulted in bail being granted due to the absence of recovered goods. When asked, police confirmed that the stolen items — including copper cables, tools, and other equipment — have not been recovered.

Despite having no previous convictions, the men were remanded while the court considers their release.

SOURCE: ANTIGUA OBSERVER- A 56-year-old man was fined $16,000 or he will spend 30 days at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) after he was convicted for possession of cannabis.

Around 10pm on Friday, an officer on duty approached Lindon Roberts, who currently resides at his business location at the East Bus Station. During a search, the officers discovered 708 grams of cannabis, valued at $7,080 on the street.

When he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, yesterday, Roberts admitted guilt to two charges, namely possession of cannabis and possession with intent to distribute.

Wason inquired whether the bus station was government-owned as he sought further clarification on how Roberts resides there.

The investigating officer clarified that the defendant indeed resides there, describing it as a room connected to the business establishment. The magistrate requested the name of the business, but Roberts was unable to provide that information, stating he does not know; however, he confirmed that he has lived there for seven years.

When asked about his sales, he mentioned that he sells juices, snacks, and food. Roberts was fined $6,000 for possession or face seven days in prison; and $10,000 for possession with intent to supply or 30 days of imprisonment, with a default of 90 days.

Magistrate Wason ordered the destruction of the cannabis and stated that the defendant should have no difficulty in paying the fine.

Authorities are investigating a sophisticated fraud in which a suspect impersonated a well-known local businessman to dupe business owners.

The scam emerged on 18 July when staff at Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy received a call from someone claiming to be the entrepreneur. The caller asked employees to top up several mobile phone numbers worth $1,350 EC dollars and ordered finger food platters, promising to pay upon collection.

Trusting the caller, a kitchen supervisor used her own money to process the phone top-ups, but the suspect never collected the food or reimbursed her.

Two days later, the suspect targeted a Clarke’s Hill resident, again posing as the businessman and requesting phone top-ups for five numbers alongside food orders under the same false promise of payment.

Police warn local businesses to verify unusual requests, especially those requiring advance payments. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone who has received similar calls is urged to report them.