And in another robbery case - the culprit has been caught and pleaded guilty.
Yesterday we told you about 53 year old Alister Smith, the man accused of robbing a woman of her purse on Christmas morning. His actual name was found to be Lester Smith, and he appeared before a chief magistrate today who read him a single charge of robbery to which he pleaded guilty.
In sentencing, the Chief Magistrate noted that she found no mitigating factors for the offense except that the items he stole were recovered. She also noted the prevalence of robberies during the Christmas season and the psychological impact on the victim. As a result she sentenced him to 2 years in prison.
During the proceedings, he repeatedly told the court that he would kill himself if sent to prison, prompting the magistrate to order that precautionary measures be taken once he was remanded.
According to the court, Smith has 21 prior convictions, including multiple offenses for dishonesty, burglary, theft, escape from lawful custody, drug possession, and a recent aggravated assault for which he had just completed a prison sentence earlier this year.
