By John Denny
Observer Nevis Reporter
(Charlestown, Nevis) – In a unanimous decision by jury, Thomas Simmonds, 45, was found guilty of robbery last Monday in the High Court. Justice Ianthea Leigertwood Octave sentenced him to 10 years.
Evidence shows that Simmonds entered the home of Simeon Williams, an elderly man who lives in Cotton Ground, and put the crook of a crowbar around Williams neck and went through his pockets, taking him for EC$75.
Sergeant Alonzo Carty responded to the call and attempted to arrest Simmonds, but he resisted and a struggle ensued. A neighbor called for back-up. Constable Tyrone Hughes responded and the arrest was made.
Simmonds arms were in casts during the proceedings. He claimed the officers broke his arms with the crowbar during the struggle nine months ago, but the evidence was contrary to that.
Before Justice Octave handed down her sentence, Simmonds was provided an opportunity to speak for himself.
He asked for a “second chance,” and if there was possibly another option to imprisonment such as talking to at risk youths about the evils of crime.
After a brief review of his record, Justice Octave said giving him a break now would be his fourth, fifth, or sixth chance and that the only way to call it a second chance would be to “wipe your slate clean.”
She also told Simmonds that if he wanted to talk to young criminals about the evils of crime, prison would be the perfect place to do it.
“Mr. Williams cuts grass for a living,” Her Ladyship said. “He works hard. He is the example you should be looking at. I’m not sure of his age, but he is not 20 and you entered into his home and took his money. Your last crime was of a similar nature. No other option can deter you from doing this… I sentence you to 10 years imprisonment.”
