Lotion thief to be sentenced

By Tashieka Mair, Star Writer
western bureau

A man of Hendon, Norwood, in St. James, who stole a bottle of lotion and baby clothing will be sentenced on October 8 in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

The court is awaiting a probation report on Dalton Lawrence, as he, on Thursday, pleaded with RM Winsome Henry not to send him to prison.

"Mi did have a hard time in jail, Your Honour, for di 10 days mi lock up down there," he said.

"Di other prisoner dem beat mi up 'cause dem seh mi a big man an' a tief lotion, and more time mi affi crawl inna corner."

During his first court appearance, Lawrence pleaded guilty to stealing the lotion from J&J Pharmacy, but said that it was his neighbour who had stolen the baby clothes and other items from the Maxie department store, and handed him the items to leave at her house.

neighbour hiding

However, on Thursday, he told the court that he would take responsibility for those items as his neighbour was "hiding" from him, and, therefore, would not attend court to clear his name.

The facts are that Lawrence went to the pharmacy on July 11, where a policeman, who was inside, observed him placing a bottle of Palmer's cocoa butter lotion in a bag he had. The officer went outside and waited on the accused.

The court heard that when Lawrence exited the pharmacy, the cop accosted him and took him back inside, where he ordered a search of the bag. The lotion, two packs of baby wipes, a nipple bottle and a pacifier were recovered. In addition, items bearing the tags of the Maxie's department store were also seen.