News
Drunken Man faces trial for $28.00 in Rum Cakes
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – He is charged with theft, that on July 29th, 2023 he stole two rum cakes from Gold Smith in Grace Bay, Providenciales. The cakes are valued at $28.00.
DEREK WILSON, an adult male appeared before the Hon. Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin on Monday August 7, 2023 to answer to a sole count of theft.
When the charge was read to him he said “not guilty with explanation.”
The learned Chief Magistrate(CM) informed Wilson that there is no ‘explanation’ that comes along with a not guilty
He then changed and said “guilty with explanation” the learned Chief Magistrate then invited him to give his explanation but he says he was drunk and not sure what he did.
The CM then told the defendant “drunkenness” in itself is not a defense in the commission of a crime, explaining to the man the different levels of drunken in law. Judge Hatmin invited him to apply for legal aide if he could not afford an attorney on his own because he earlier told the CM that he “maybe” getting or needing a lawyer.
The CM then entered a not guilty plea for the matter to go to trial.
The defendant then told the CM, that the virtual complainant Mr. Tolani is saying he does not want a trial. Again, the CM found himself in explanation of court procedure and informed Derek Wilson that whether the matter advances to trial is a matter for the Crown and “not for me.”
Public Prosecutor , Enjaleek Dickenson informed the court that the Crown intended to proceed in the matter.
In speaking with the plaintiff, the owner of Gold Smith outside court, he admitted that indeed he told the officers he doesn’t want any court case against the defendant but he would like a restraining order that he keeps Wilson out of our business establishments especially when he’s drunk or drinking.