Barbados Today

A St Michael man, who stole a $200 car battery over five years ago, has been sentenced to two years in prison.

However, George St Clair Ricardo Lance Beckles, of 3rd Avenue, Goodland, Black Rock, St Michael, has already spent seven months on remand and that time must be taken into consideration.

Beckles, who is in his late 40s, stole the item from Michael Stevenson’s vehicle on December 27, 2012.

He was granted $7,000 bail in January 2013 when he appeared in court.

However, he found himself in trouble with the law again on August 27, 2017 when he allegedly wounded Yogendra Sawh and stole a $60 handsaw and a $30 cutlass belonging to him.

He has maintained his innocence on those charges but recently changed his plea on the battery theft charge to guilty.

“I plead guilty because it is hampering me for a long time and I already serve seven months on remand. Ma’am I plead guilty and ask that you consider time spent on remand,” Beckles, who is known to the courts, said.

However,  the two-year sentence was imposed by Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant.

“I appeal that sentence Ma’am,” Beckles declared, to which the magistrate said it was his right.

Beckles returns to the No.2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on March 1 when the 2017 matters will continue.