Magistrate Khadeen Palmer handed down the sentence via Zoom.

Initially, the magistrate’s sentence started at 12 months; however, after weighing the mitigating and aggravating factors such as his early guilty plea, he was given a discount, bringing his sentence to a total of eight months.

The particulars of the offence state that he entered as a trespasser at Island Sizzle and attempted to steal one case of Kirkland water and assorted drinks. The total amount was valued at $25.

Facts

On November 16, 2021, at around 5:00 am, the manager (Virtual Complainant) entered the business place where he noticed a case of water and a black garbage bag on the floor.

It did not arouse his suspicion as he thought someone left it there because there were always parties being held there but decided to review CCTV footage to find out who it was.

It was then he observed a male with his face partially covered trying to take items from the bar area.

He reported the matter to the police and the defendant was identified as the perpetrator because there were several times his face coverings were removed and his face was visible in the camera.

The accused was approached on December 3, 2021, and he was informed of the allegations and asked to participate in an interview.

At first, he denied the allegations but when he was shown the CCTV footage, he admitted to the offence.

During the interview, the defendant said he was contracted by someone else to burglarise the establishment and felt that it was a set-up.

He was granted $20,000 bail with conditions during his arraignment hearing.

He was not represented during the criminal proceedings.