IMRAN ALI confessed to stealing $8000 worth of mangoes from the fenced yard of Deodat Singh in Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice. He said he committed the act because he was hungry.Questioned on his record by New Amsterdam Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Ali disclosed that he had previously served a four-month and a six-month sentence for praedial larceny.

“I can take a one-month, Madam. They does take advantage on me,” Ali suggested to the magistrate.

Replying the magistrate questioned the thief as to why he had to be sentenced so often. She said it seems he was not learning from his experiences.

“I gon change dis time, Your Honour. I gon change,” was Ali’s reply.

Singh told the magistrate that he was at home when he heard a rustling of leaves and, looking through his window, saw the defendant perched on one of the branches of the mango tree with a bag containing the fruits.

Singh said he ordered Ali to get off the tree and leave the bag behind, but Ali fled the yard with the stolen items.

Singh said he reported the matter at the Reliance Police Station, and ranks subsequently apprehended Ali with the bag of fruits.

The magistrate eventually fined Ali $25,000, with an alternative of 50 days’ imprisonment.
Written By Jeune Baily-Vankeric