In a Kingstown Magistrate’s Court ruling on Monday, a 40-year-old electrician from Redemption Sharpes received a 13-month prison term for residential burglary, marking his eighth criminal conviction within the past decade. Gideon Quow appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamika McKenzie, where he admitted to unlawfully entering the dwelling of Don Phillips between February 22 and March 1.
The court heard that Quow, who had been previously employed by the victim for construction work, stole building materials totaling EC$267.23 from Phillips’ residence. The stolen items included a white tarpaulin (EC$80), a Rubis gas cylinder (EC$40), multipurpose cement (EC$60), a kitchen faucet (EC$89.09), and a bathroom shower head (EC$40).
Prosecutor Akeem Solelyn presented evidence indicating that Phillips discovered the burglary upon returning home on March 1 at approximately 5:30 PM, noting an open window and missing construction materials. Following a police report, PC 151 Defreitas conducted an investigation that led to Quow’s residence. Although initial searches revealed nothing, Quow subsequently directed officers to the home of Keron James, where the tarpaulin and gas bottle were recovered.
The defendant provided a written confession to the offense, resulting in his arrest and formal burglary charges. During mitigation, Quow appealed for leniency, citing his parental responsibilities for two children and expressing remorse, stating he ‘could not sleep at night’ and requested forgiveness from the victim.
The prosecution emphasized Quow’s extensive criminal history, which includes convictions for theft, attempted burglary, and assault occasioning bodily harm. Notably, this offense occurred less than two years after his previous sentencing for similar crimes. Magistrate McKenzie imposed the 13-month custodial sentence alongside an order for EC$150 in immediate compensation, with a three-month imprisonment alternative should payment not be forthcoming.