A 21-year-old man of El Socorro who admitted to stealing alcohol from a bar in order to exchange for drugs was yesterday sentenced to 150 days' hard labour. Alvin Nandoo of Loutoo Street pleaded guilty to stealing one bottle of Johnny Walker Scotch valued at $270; one bottle of Blue Gin valued at $270; and one bottle of liqueur valued at $300. Nandoo appeared before Magistrate Cheron Raphael in the Port-of-Spain Third Court.
The court heard from prosecutor, Sgt Azad Ali, that around 12.01 am on August 10, Christopher Gascombe secured his businessplace at Satar Street, Aranguez, and went to bed. Gascombe was allegedly awakened by a loud noise around 2.30 am, and later saw Nandoo escaping through a space between the roof and front wall. A check revealed three bottles of liquor missing from the bar. Police later found Nandoo liming outside his home. He was arrested after reportedly admitting that he had stolen 15 bottles of alcohol to sell for illegal drugs.
Objecting to bail being granted, Ali said Nandoo was a repeat offender who had only been released from jail in July after serving 12 months for a similar offence. Questioned by the magistrate, Nandoo said he had a drug problem and needed help.
Before sentencing Nandoo, Raphael said she considered his guilty plea and that he did not waste the court's time.