Barbados Today

Two Christ Church men who went on a burglary, theft and disorderly behaviour spree over the past five months, were sentenced today to a total of 14 years in prison.

Michael Brathwaite, 41, of Parish Land pleaded guilty in the St Matthias Magistrates’ Court to eight criminal offences, including five counts of burglary, while Kerry Williams, 38, also of Parish Land pleaded guilty to seven charges that included two burglaries, three charges of theft and two drug-related allegations.

Brathwaite got three years on a burglary charge which he committed on July 12, 2016 when he broke into the house of Jason Blunte and stole 20 bottles of Johnny Walker Double Black whiskey valued at $300. That sentence will run concurrently with another three-year term for the burglary he carried out on June 23, 2016 after entering the home of Kent Vital and stealing more than $2,000 worth of items, including an HP Split laptop computer, a crate of eggs, a container of nuts, a pack of chicken breasts, ten apples and a package of salmon.

Brathwaite also stole over $2,000 worth of property belonging to Saphire Vital of the same address  on the same day. The items included make-up, lipstick, foundation and a make-up brush.

He was sentenced to a third three-year jail term to run concurrent for burglarizing the home of Tyrone Francis and stealing more than a dozen items valued at $4,580, that included a television set, jewellery and tools. Because the sentences run concurrently, Brathwaite will only serve three years behind bars.

He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on three other charges and reprimanded and discharged on another.

Meanwhile, Williams was sentenced to two years in jail for breaking into Jamal Reid’s home on April 9, 2016 and stealing $400 in cash, and one year for cultivating cannabis at his home on July 22, 2016. He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the count of unlawful possession.

However, Williams was ordered to spend another two years in jail for the burglary he committed on July 5, 2016 when he stole Bds$40 and US$170 in cash.

He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the remaining offences. He will only serve two years because his sentences run concurrently as well.