Charged with a single count of theft is Shaika Jeffers.

Jeffers, who initially pleaded not guilty, was fined after having a change of heart and admitting to the offence when she appeared before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste-DaBreo on Wednesday.

Also jointly charged is Akil Turnbull who pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The court pointed to the seriousness of the crime as an aggravating factor. However, the court further said the first time offender’s early guilty plea, her remorse, among other things went in her favour as mitigating factors.

In the meantime, the court ordered the offender to pay the fine immediately or spend a default sentence of two months at Her Majesty’s Prison.

She was also ordered to compensate RiteWay the remaining balance for the cake.

What the court heard happened

The court heard that on March 11 last year, the duo along with two minors went into RiteWay in Pasea Estate to purchase a few grocery items.

During that time, the quartet bought a cake and drinks and left the establishment.

Acting on a hunch sometime later, the cashier supervisor at the establishment requested the surveillance footage from the Information Technologist at the supermarket.

While reviewing the tape, the quartet was seen changing the bar codes of a cake valued at $80 with one valued at $24.

Jeffers was later seen on surveillance footage heading to the cashier’s checkout point and paying for the said item at a reduced price.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police who identified the perpetrators.

They were later charged with the offences before the court.

I am sorry

The unrepresented Jeffers told the court that she was remorseful for her actions.

She explained that she was “goofing off” and admitted to yielding to the request of ‘bad company’.

“I just wanted to see what would happen. I am not proud because I grew up knowing better. But, in life, things happen, and we make bad judgements. I ask for some leniency,” she said.

In response, Magistrate DaBreo said her actions would have repercussions as people detest dishonesty.

The magistrate reminded Jeffers that, as the daughter of a well-known fast-food establishment, she should have known better.

In the meantime, her co-accused will return to court for his trial on October 17.

The minors who were also captured on camera were not summoned to court and will also be expected to make their first appearance on the aforementioned date.