Excavator operator jailed for stealing businesswoman’s phone

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday jailed a 53-year-old excavator operator for 18 months when he appeared before her and admitted to a theft charge.
Philbert Cush of Lot 14 Broad Street, Georgetown, admitted that on February 26, 2020, at Robb Street, Georgetown, he stole one iPhone 11 valued at $260,000, property of Rhonda Harry, a businesswoman.
According to facts presented, the Virtual Complainant visited her clothing boutique to do some cleaning and, in the process, placed her valuables on a table.
The court heard that sometime after, Cush walked into the store and started to check the clothing on display. It was while doing this, Cush spotted the phone, picked up same and left immediately.
When Harry discovered her phone missing, a police report was made and footage from the store’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) was reviewed by police officers. The video surveillance showed Cush removing the phone.
On March 6, officers managed to apprehend Cush while he was hanging out with friends on High Street, Georgetown. While in custody the man admitted to stealing the phone and selling it. In a plea of mitigation, the unrepresented man told the court that he was under the influence of alcohol when he committed the act, and begged the court for a second chance.
However, the Chief Magistrate pointed out to Cush that there are consequences for his actions and therefore sentenced him to 18 months in jail.