Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Spanish Town

Joseph Dawkins was given an 18-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to receiving stolen property in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court.

Detective Sergeant Vassel Mitchell of the Spanish Town police, outlined that in August 2007 a driver was robbed of a 1998 Toyota Corolla, which belongs to a policeman. He continued that on April 17, this year, Dawkins was spotted in the Thompson Pen area driving the motor car. The policeman had marks on the vehicle.

It was observed that the engine and other parts of the vehicle had been tampered with. He also presented papers for a car he had that was stolen. He was sub-sequently arrested and charged.

When he appeared in court on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty, RM. Lorna Errar told him that having suffered at the hands of criminals, he should know better and a strong message will have to be sent.