Man gets suspended sentence for stealing US$7,150 from sister

A St Catherine man who stole more than US$7,000 from his sister has been spared prison time after pleading guilty to larceny in the Parish Court today.

The accused, 22-year-old painter David Watson of Glengoffe District, St Catherine, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, with three years’ supervision.

When Watson appeared on September 1, 2025, restitution of J$200,000 was made by his mother on his behalf.

Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne, while handing down the sentence, expressed concern about Watson’s actions.

“The sentence you received today is to keep you honest. For the next three years it will be hanging over your head, so please take heed,” Judge Alleyne told him.

During mitigation, Watson’s attorney asked for a non-custodial sentence, pointing to his youth, his guilty plea, and the partial restitution made.

The court heard that on August 7, 2025, the complainant returned home to find her house broken into and US$7,150 missing.

The matter was reported to the Glengoffe police, and Watson was later arrested and charged with larceny.

He pleaded guilty on August 18, 2025.

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