In a significant ruling addressing public violence, six individuals involved in a gang-related confrontation at a Kingstown KFC outlet have received suspended prison sentences. Chief Magistrate Colin John delivered the verdict at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, imposing a six-month prison term suspended for two years upon each defendant.
The convicted individuals include Kimron Jacobs, Jazrick Young (16, student), Kezron Peters (17, car wash attendant), Verron Holder (17, salesperson), Gabriel Haywood (18, construction worker), and Ivorn Thomas (23). All parties pleaded guilty to charges of affray stemming from the February 13 incident.
According to prosecution evidence presented by Inspector Renrick Cato, the violence erupted around 9 p.m. following a sports event at Independence Park. The altercation began as a verbal dispute between Thomas and another patron inside the Bay Street restaurant before escalating into a physical confrontation. Participants reportedly utilized restaurant objects as weapons during the melee.
Police investigation, aided by CCTV footage, revealed connections to local gang networks. During interviews, defendants acknowledged associations between the ‘Eight and 6ixx’ gangs and the ‘Five and 7even’ gangs operating across multiple communities including Georgetown, Campden Park, and Sandy Bay.
Notably, Haywood—a former Police Youth Club member who dropped out of school in Form 3—claimed gang involvement resulted from needing to protect a bullied cousin. The magistrate emphasized the defendants’ behavior brought embarrassment to both themselves and their families while urging them to pursue educational opportunities.
Prosecutor Cato highlighted the offense’s severity, noting public location and property damage to warning signs. While personally favoring imprisonment, he professionally recommended suspended sentences, stating defendants should ‘hold the keys to their own cells’ for future behavior.
The court noted that despite previously admitting gang affiliations, all defendants except Thomas denied membership when their parents attended proceedings.