Man moves into house after breaking in

A 21-year-old man was sentenced to a nine months' imprisonment yesterday when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Dezon Berry pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property and house-breaking with intent. The court heard that on July 12, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., Berry broke the locks off the complainant's home and gained entry. It was reported that Berry placed his bed and other belongings in the dwelling and proceeded to throw out the complainant's personal items.

On the last occasion when he was before the court, a social enquiry report was requested. Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague said that Berry's report was neither bad nor good but was concerned with what his community members, on the outskirts of Mountain View, were saying about him.

"There are some persons who divulged that you are very kind-hearted, you were willing to assist persons in need but yet there are some who have the complete opposite to say and that is where I am very concerned. There are persons who are of the view that you operate like you are a law unto yourself and that is not good for a man at your age, and that you have little regard for authority. Citizens have said that you are one of the young men who pose a threat to the fragile peace in the community. They are of the view that if you are willing to do the crime, you should be willing to do the time," the judge read.

In a soft voice, before he was sentenced, Berry apologised to the complainant for breaking into his house and begged for leniency from the judge. He added that it was his first offence and he has been in custody since September.

The judge then sentenced Berry to four months' imprisonment for malicious destruction of property and nine months' imprisonment for house-breaking with intent. The sentences are to run concurrently.