By Alric Lindsay
Dave Richard Ebanks appeared in Grand Court today, November 1, 2024, where he pleaded guilty with an explanation for arson concerning the North Side police station. Following the guilty plea, his lawyer applied to amend his curfew hours.
Background
As explained in the Court, Ebanks was charged under section 267(3) of the Penal Code. It was alleged that Ebanks set fire to the North Side police station on Hutland Road in North Side, intending to damage the property or being reckless as to whether the property would be damaged.
Ebanks pleaded guilty with an explanation, but no reason was described in Court.
Next steps
Ebanks will return to Court in December 2024, when he is expected to be sentenced.
In the meantime, his probation officer will prepare a social inquiry report that will assist the judge in determining the sentence.
Regarding his curfew conditions, his lawyer requested an amendment to give Ebanks more flexibility with his work hours. The judge noted that if Hope Foundation approved, then the Court would do the same.
Note to readers
For members of the public unfamiliar with the charges of damage to property and arson, these are covered under section 267 of the Penal Code. This states:
267. (1) A person who, without lawful excuse, destroys or damages any property belonging to another, intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged, commits an offence and is liable, where the value of the destruction or damage — (a) does not exceed three thousand dollars, to a fine of five thousand dollars and imprisonment for five years; and (b) exceeds three thousand dollars, to a fine of ten thousand dollars and to imprisonment for ten years.
(2) A person who, without lawful excuse, destroys or damages any property, whether belonging to themselves or another — (a) intending to destroy or damage any property, or being reckless as to whether any property would be destroyed or damaged; and (b) intending by the destruction or damage to endanger the life of another, or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered, commits an offence.
(3) An offence committed under this section by destroying or damaging property by fire shall be charged as arson.
(4) A person convicted of arson under this section or of any offence under subsection (2) is liable to imprisonment for life.
