A ham thief yesterday begged the court for help with his addiction, but was instead sentenced to six months in jail.
Mackelton DaCosta Wood, of no fixed place of abode, admitted stealing three hams, valued at $238.38, from Popular Discounts yesterday when he appeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Sergeant Rudy Pilgrim told the court that the thief went into the Spry Street, Bridgetown supermarket, and ventured into Aisles 2 and 3 where the display fridges were located.
The security officer, who was at the back of the store, observed the 57-year-old man putting hams in a basket. A moment later, the guard heard rustling coming from the area where the man was. He went to the area and saw Wood putting the hams into a haversack which he had on his back.
As Wood headed to the exit, security ran after him. He tried to make good his escape, but was subdued. The haversack was searched and the hams found.
Magistrate Douglas Frederick granted a restitution order for the hams.
“I am not a bad person, sir. I have had one chance at Verdun House and was sent there once. . . . I break the rules at Verdun House, but I asking for help again . . . . I plead guilty in not wasting the court’s time and I am begging for help,” said Wood, who has 84 convictions dating back to 1985.
“What help do you want?” the magistrate asked Wood, who was also convicted of stealing hams last year.
“Sir, I would like to be assessed for my addiction, please,” he replied.
“I am not going to send you to any rehabilitation because you have had many opportunities for that. I will give you special treatment and sentence you to six months in prison. When you come out, try to do better,” the magistrate told him.
“Thank you, sir. Have a good day, sir,” Wood replied as he was led out of the courtroom.
When contacted, a manager at Popular, who declined to give her name, said this was the second instance within two days of someone stealing ham from the establishment.
“One theft occurred on Saturday and the next this [yesterday] morning. We are discussing measures on how best to deal with the issue, but it has not been finalised as yet,” she said. (RA)
