By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Court Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to one year in prison yesterday after admitting to breaking into and stealing from a pharmacy.
Gavin Johnson, 49, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on charges of shop-breaking and stealing from a shop.
Johnson broke into the Prescription Centre Pharmacy on Rosetta Street around 3.10am on August 23. He gained entry through a large hole he made in the roof. Once inside he attempted to steal various items, including numerous chocolate bars, toothpaste, flashlights, batteries, body and mouthwash as well as various medications. The total value of the items found in his possession amounted to $331.95.
Police arrested Johnson at the scene where he admitted to the offence. He pleaded guilty to both charges in court.
When asked by the magistrate why he committed these crimes Johnson said that he only stole the items to buy food and drugs. He admitted to having a 20-year cocaine habit. This resulted in him being deported to The Bahamas from the US in 2004 after his family relocated there.
Prosecutor Inspector Lincoln McKenzie also revealed that Johnson had a recent drug conviction from August 1, 2018 when he was sentenced to a $2,000 fine or one year in custody. Johnson said he served that sentence on remand.
Before being sentenced the accused asked the magistrate for help with his drug addiction.
In view of this, Magistrate Swain sentenced Johnson to one year in the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for each charge, to be served concurrently. During this time Johnson is expected to attend drug counselling while in custody.
He was informed of his right to appeal sentencing within seven days.
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