While hundreds were partying at the Hennessey Artistry show in the early hours of Sunday, someone was breaking into cars parked near Kensington Oval.
Police did some investigating and found that the thief used spark plugs to gain entry into the vehicles.
So they mounted an operation and found Arleigh Leron Dalrymple who, coincidentally, was carrying some broken spark plugs, a flashlight and a screwdriver.
The 52-year-old, of no fixed place of abode, yesterday found himself in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court where he was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, loitering on the old CIBC Bank compound [in Fontabelle, St Michael] on Sunday, with intent to commit theft.
He also admitted to having a cocaine apparatus.
Prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons told the court that police received reports of car break-ins while patrons were at the show at Kensington. While investigating, they encountered Dalrymple in an area where several cars were parked.
He was searched and a glass bottle containing white residue was found on him. When they asked him to account for it, he told them: “That is just my cocaine pipe. Give me a break. I don’t do crime no more.”
Police searched the haversack he was carrying and found a screwdriver, flashlight and a number of broken spark plugs.
Dalrymple accounted for them by saying: “Those for my bicycle.”
But when asked where this bicycle was, he replied: “I don’t have it any more.”
The many-time convicted thief asked the court for leniency, saying: “I am gainfully employed with a weed whacker. If you give me money to pay, I will pay it myself, personally.”
The vagrant also sought to explain his lack of address. He said he used to live at 8th Avenue, New Orleans, St Michael, but “because of the landlord, the house was bulldozed”.
Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant remanded Dalrymple to HMP Dodds until January 2, when he will be sentenced. (HLE)
