Career thief sent back to Westgate
after pleading guilty to a series of thefts.
Roger Winston Darrell, 39, of Channel View Lane, Hamilton Parish had six charges sent from Magistrates' Court on March 9 for sentencing by Chief Justice Austin Ward.
Yesterday Mr. Justice Ward told Darrell: "You love this place. We only go back to a place that we are comfortable with. Up there (Westgate Correctional Facility) should be made uncomfortable.
"You do not mind going to prison,'' he added. "Twenty two years and they've tried everything with you.'' Mr. Justice Ward heard that Sports R Us staff saw Darrell acting suspiciously around 11.30 a.m. on January 31.
The sporting goods store reviewed security surveillance tapes which showed Darrell putting a Reebok jacket into a helmet and leaving the store.
Crown counsel Larry Mussenden said that around 11.30 a.m. on March 4, Gorham's Ltd. staff watched Darrell conceal a "personal stereo'', worth $23.99, inside his pocket.
Darrell was approached in the parking lot of the store and arrested by plain-clothed Police.
Darrell later admitted to the offence and was found to have only 37 cents in his possession.
Shortly after noon on November 24 last year, security cameras at Lindo's Supermarket in Devonshire caught Darrell stealing two bottles of rum with a total value of $43.
Mr. Mussenden said the next day, staff at Lindo's observed Darrell in the store and called Police before confronting him.
Darrell ran away but was caught by Police near Upland Street in Devonshire.
He told Police: "I didn't take anything today.'' Darrell also pleaded guilty to stealing a packet of cigarettes worth $4.75 from Arnold's Supermarket in Pembroke on January 14 this year.
"Clarkie'', as he is known to the staff there, was seen running from the store before staff could detain him.
At 11.30 a.m. on December 9 last year, Darrell was approached by store security in the China Department of A.S. Cooper's in Hamilton.
Mr. Mussenden said Darrell told the security officer, whom he knew: "OK, listen. I have something in my bag.'' After a brief struggle Darrell escaped, leaving behind a $495 suede jacket taken from the men's department.
Darrell also pleaded guilty to stealing $340 in cash and stealing, forging and uttering a cheque for $1,050 from the Adult Education School in June 1996.
Yesterday, Darrell told Mr. Justice Ward: "I assure you and simply promise you that it will not happen again. I am thirsty for forgiveness.'' Mr. Justice Ward jailed Darrell for two years the thefts from the Adult Education School.
Darrell received one year and six month sentences for the other offences. All the sentences will be served concurrently.