The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 28-year-old man was yesterday ordered to compensate a woman $153 after he admitted to stealing her items from a local beach last week.

Sheroy Mackey appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was accused of stealing a $600 iPhone, a $100 backpack and $53 in cash from a woman on July 9.

During the hearing, Mackey pleaded guilty to the single count of stealing and was placed on six months’ probation. If he fails to be of good behaviour during that time, he will spend three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Prosecutor Lincoln McKenzie said on the day in question, the complainant said people told her a man who was driving a Jeep stole her bag that was on Orange Hill Beach. An investigation into the matter led to Mackey’s arrest. During an interview with police at a nearby station, he admitted to stealing the items. As a result, he was cautioned and charged for the offence. According to the prosecution, the stolen iPhone was returned to the complainant.

During the hearing, Mackey’s attorney, Krystal Smith, said her client was “apologetic” for his actions. She also claimed he only committed the act because the “pressures of COVID-19 had overtaken him” and insisted Mackey had accepted his actions were wrong.

As a result, after placing Mackey on probation, Magistrate Forbes also ordered him to compensate the complainant $153 to make up for the cash and stolen bag that were never returned.