By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A FREEPORT man who pleaded guilty to multiple thefts to support his “crack cocaine” habit was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday.
Cordell Dean, 28, of Hearn Lane, appeared before Magistrate LaQuay Laing where he pleaded guilty to one count of causing damage.
Prosecutor Sergeant Calsey Arthur said the complainant Stephanie Barr reported to police that sometime between May 22 at 4pm and 7.45am the next day, someone entered the Red Cross building and caused material damage to two interior doors. Police launched an investigation and arrested Dean, who under caution, admitted the offence.
Magistrate Laing asked Dean if he wanted to say anything. Dean expressed remorse for his action and asked to apologise to the complainant.
“I wish I could repay them for what was done,” he told the court.
When asked if he was employed, Dean told Magistrate Laing that he was not working presently, but had been employed a couple of weeks ago doing carpentry work.
Asked why he committed the crime, Dean blamed his drug habit.
He said he had been doing crack cocaine since age 21.
“I been trying to deal with it and sometimes it gets the best of me,” he told the court.
Dean also pleaded guilty to six counts of stealing from a vehicle that occurred during May. He stole a car battery, valued at $114 from a Ford F-150 truck, the property of Perry Jean Charles; he also stole a battery valued at $119, from a Dodge Caravan, the property of Jefferey Pinder; he stole converters valued at $1,950 from a BMW, the property of Antonio Outten; and converters valued $1050 from a Ford Explorer at KMW Auto. He also stole converters from three vehicles, valued at $1058, $1,158.16, and 2,417.55, respectively, which were parked at Roker’s Auto.
Dean also pleaded guilty to one count of stealing from a shop. He pleaded guilty to stealing several automobile parts and items, altogether valued at $2,013.41, from the Auto Care Clinic on Logwood Road.
He also pleaded guilty to vagrancy. Sometime between May 29 and May 31, Dean was found loitering in front of Polar Electric on Forest Avenue.
Magistrate Laing commended Dean for taking responsibility by pleading guilty and not wasting the court’s time, but also admonished him for his stealing spree.
“It is bad that you are breaking people’s property and stealing to support your drug habit to where you are becoming a menace to society,” he said.
Magistrate Laing convicted Dean on all nine counts. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
Magistrate Laing told Dean he will also recommend he receive some drug counselling in prison for his drug addiction.
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