In a stern judicial ruling from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie has sentenced 58-year-old carpenter Peter Dasouza to eight months and six days imprisonment for retail theft. The defendant appeared before the Kingstown court on Tuesday, just one day after committing the offense.
Dasouza pleaded guilty to stealing two containers of HS Ultra Gloss Tire Shine valued at EC$69.99 from a Kingstown establishment. The Campden Park resident admitted to the charges without contestation during court proceedings.
Beyond the custodial sentence, Magistrate McKenzie issued a restitution order mandating the return of the stolen automotive products to the retail store. The swift judicial processing—with sentencing occurring merely 24 hours after the crime—demonstrates the efficiency of the local justice system in handling straightforward criminal cases.
The case highlights the judicial system’s approach to property crimes, particularly those involving admission of guilt. While the stolen items’ value might appear modest, the sentence reflects the court’s consistent methodology in applying penalties for theft offenses regardless of the merchandise’s monetary worth.