12 months to repay stolen funds

After stealing $17 271.36 from a bank four years ago, Roger Seretse Colitos Devonish was ordered to pay it back 12 in months. Otherwise, the 42-year-old Phillips Road, St Stephen’s Hill, St Michael man will have to spend 362 days in prison.

Justice Anthony Blackman handed down the sentence yesterday, in Supreme Court No. 3A, after considering Devonish’s remorse, that he had a fairly good presentencing report and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

The judge also looked at the aggravating factors, where Devonish stole the funds, reneged on his promise to pay it back and had three previous drug-related convictions.

However, the judge also advised Devonish to put what had happened behind him and to try to make a meaningful contribution to society. He further warned the unemployed Devonish that the fine needed to be paid and, as a skilled butler, who had previously worked in several hotels, he ought to make use of his skill.   (SD)