Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

A father of five claiming to be a churchman was convicted for stealing a handbag and removing some items, when he faced the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Everton Channer, 51, of a Santa Cruz address in St. Elizabeth admitted that he did commit the offence and repeatedly expressed how sorry he was for doing so.

Begging for a chance, Channer blurted: "It is mi first offence Your Honour, and mi asking for a chance because mi is a churchman."

Presiding Resident Magistrate Evan Brown did not heed to his pleas. "What do you mean you are a churchman,?" RM Brown questioned.

"I mean I go to church regular sometimes, sir," Channer replied.

"So why are you claiming to be a churchman then? You are giving the church a bad name," the RM stated.

Clerk of the Court, Ruel Gibson, read out the facts that earlier this month Channer was given a ride by someone in St. Elizabeth. He was sitting in the back of the car where a handbag was placed. Upon reaching Santa Cruz, Channer left the car.

$300 and a phone card

Shortly after the driver who discovered that the bag was missing, returned to Santa Cruz where Channer was spotted. The police were alerted and Channer was picked up with the bag. A search revealed that most of the contents were intact, but $300 in cash and a phone card was missing.

Upon being arrested, Channer repeated three times: "I shouldn't do it officer."

"I don't know how that happen to me. Is just a mistake I made by taking the bag," Channer told the court, adding that he had drank three bottles of Guinness prior to committing the offence. But RM Brown was not convinced his drinking had influenced the offence.

He was fined $30,000 or 30 days imprisonment. "At 51 you should not be in this position," RM Brown told him. Channer said he had no money to pay the fine and asked for a month within which to do so. His request was granted.