By Alric Lindsay
Shain Maurice Walker appeared in the Summary Court today, December 4, 2024, to face charges of burglary, theft, using a vehicle with an expired registration, and using a vehicle without a certificate of roadworthiness. The Chief Magistrate fined Walker for the traffic offences, ordered that he do 240 hours of community service, and pay a compensation amount.
Traffic offences
Regarding the traffic offences, counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions explained that in August 2024, police officers were doing vehicle checks along Esterley Tibbetts highway near the Yacht Club roundabout.
Walker was driving a Toyota Rav4 when he was stopped by police.
When the officers made inquiries, they discovered that the vehicle registration had expired on May 28, and the certificate of roadworthiness had expired earlier.
After considering the traffic offences, the Chief Magistrate fined Walker $960 for driving with expired registration and $200 for using a vehicle without a certificate of roadworthiness.
He was given six months to pay these fines.
Burglaries and theft
Regarding the theft, counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions explained that, based on CCTV footage, a woman was shopping at a store on Mary Street. Reportedly, she had approximately $2,000 cash in her purse.
After buying something at the store, the woman drove to Camana Bay when she realised she didn’t have her purse.
She returned to the store in George Town, viewed the CCTV camera, and saw that Walker had picked up her purse. Reportedly, Walker also used one of her cards to make a purchase.
When questioned about the purse, Walker reportedly said that he “thought it was garbage” and picked it up.
After considering the foregoing, the Chief Magistrate made a compensation order that Walker repay $2,000.
Concerning the burglaries, counsel from the DPP noted that the two burglaries were of commercial premises and involved a degree of ransacking and vandalism of property. In particular, “considerable damage” was done to one of the properties.
In the circumstances, DPP counsel suggested a starting point of 4 years imprisonment with a sentence range of 2 to 6 years.
Notwithstanding this recommendation, Walker’s attorney suggested that a non-custodial sentence be put in place on the basis that Walker made attempts to get help at a halfway house and had started working for a construction company.
After hearing from both sides, the Chief Magistrate agreed that Walker had made efforts to build and improve himself since the incidents. In addition, the Chief Magistrate accepted that the relevant period was a difficult time for Walker, but that was no excuse for his commission of the offences.
The Chief Magistrate highlighted that matters were made worse because Walker ransacked two premises and caused damage.
However, the Chief Magistrate considered Walker’s early guilty plea and observed that he demonstrated his ability to be rehabilitated. In addition, the Chief Magistrate observed that Walker kept clean and held a job.
In the circumstances, the Chief Magistrate noted that she would consider an alternative sentence.
The Chief Magistrate sentenced Walker as follows:
- 18 months imprisonment for the burglaries, suspended for two years
- Probation order for two years (Walker must complete courses recommended by his probation officer)
- Submission to random drug testing
- Completion of 240 hours of community service within a one-year period.
- Walker must remain gainfully employed.
If Walker breaches the above, he may have to return to Court, where his suspended sentence may be activated, requiring him to spend 18 months in prison.
Walker has the right to appeal the sentencing within seven days.
