The former Coast Guard officer who stole an M16 rifle and stashed it outside the Coast Guard’s base was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday by Justice Maureen Crane-Scott.
However, Tyrell Shelton Ramon Burke will not serve time at HMP Dodds as the sentence was suspended for three years.
Burke, of St Michael, reappeared in the No. 5 Supreme Court for sentencing, after pleading guilty earlier this year to stealing the $4 100 rifle belonging to the Crown on February 24, 2010.
Justice Crane-Scott said she believed the 25-year-old was in need of “emotional and psychological intervention”. She ordered that he remain under the supervision of a probation officer for the next three years, complete no fewer than 100 hours of community service, and attend and complete a drug abuse programme.
The judge said she considered several factors, including the fact that he pleaded guilty early, had shown remorse, and the probation officer had assessed him as being at a low to moderate risk of reoffending.
Additionally, Burke appeared to have had an “unfortunate upbringing” which was characterised by “parental neglect” and a “lack of parental guidance”, she added.
