By Alric Lindsay
Today, November 26, 2024, David Cassidy Ebanks pled not guilty to theft, causing fear or provocation of violence and carrying an offensive weapon at Hope For Today Foundation located in Birch Tree Hill, West Bay. However, he pled guilty to one count of criminal trespass. He was bailed to return to Court on December 5, 2024.
Theft
Regarding the theft, it was alleged that Ebanks went to Hope For Today Foundation on July 16, 2024, and dishonestly appropriated property, namely a gas canister valued at $96, with the intention of permanently depriving someone of it.
Causing fear
Concerning the charge of causing fear or provocation of violence, it was alleged that, on June 23, 2024, at the same place, Ebanks used threatening words or behaviour towards another person.
Offensive weapon
Regarding the offensive weapon, it was alleged that Ebanks carried a knife to Hope For Today Foundation.
Trespassing
In relation to trespassing, it was alleged that Ebanks, without having lawful business, was on the property of Hope For Today Foundation on June 23, 2024. This was the only allegation Ebanks pleaded guilty to.
Note to readers
For those unfamiliar with the charges faced by Ebanks, these are outlined in the Penal Code as follows:
Intentional harassment, alarm or distress
88A. (1) A person who, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress — (a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour; or (b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting, thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for three years or, if the offence is committed in the night, to imprisonment for four years.
Theft
235. (1) A person commits theft if the person dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it; and “thief” and “steal” shall be construed accordingly.
(2) It is immaterial whether or not the appropriation is made with a view to gain, or is made for the thief’s own benefit.
(3) Sections 236 to 240 shall have effect as regards the interpretation and operation of this section and (except as otherwise provided by this Part), shall apply only for the purposes of this section.
Criminal trespass
277. (1) A person who, without having lawful business thereon, enters upon the premises of any private residence or upon land belonging to any proprietor or occupier which is enclosed or in any manner cultivated commits the offence of criminal trespass and is liable to a fine of one thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
(2) A person who unlawfully and maliciously cuts, breaks, barks, roots up or otherwise destroys or damages any plant, fruit, vegetable production, tree, sapling, shrub, or any underwood growing in any place commits an offence and is liable to a fine of two thousand dollars and to imprisonment for two years or, if the offence is committed in any pleasure ground, garden, orchard or avenue, or in any ground adjoining or belonging to a dwelling house, to a fine of three thousand dollars and to imprisonment for three years.
