Standing before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28-year-old Jermaine Hollingsworth attempted to explain that he did not fully understand what he was pleading guilty to.
But the Magistrate firmly reminded him of what had transpired just two weeks earlier, when he stood in the same courtroom and admitted in detail to robbing a woman at gunpoint and breaking into a shop with a partner.
Hollingsworth had previously pleaded guilty to two serious offences: robbery under arms and break and enter and larceny, committed earlier this month at Durban Street, Lodge.
On May 3, he robbed Daphne Luke of a Samsung S15 cell phone valued at $80,000 while armed with a gun. Then, between May 4 and 5, he broke into the shop of Fay Matthews and stole hats, jerseys, pants, and boxers worth over $645,000.
“I remember that when you came to court on the 9th of May, you pleaded guilty,” Magistrate McGusty said, after Hollingsworth tried to raise issues about a statement.
“We’re not reversing. We’re going from the time you stood in court and told me you were guilty. Do you remember what you said to me, sir?”
Hollingsworth confirmed that he had told the court he and his partner had broken into the shop and stole the items, and that while some were returned, he had no idea what became of the rest.
Regarding the robbery, he again admitted to taking the phone and selling it.
After walking Hollingsworth through the facts once more, the Magistrate asked if he now understood his guilty plea, to which the defendant affirmed his guilt.
The victim of the break-in, Fay Matthews, was present in court and confirmed that while some items were recovered at the police station, the majority, valued at over $400,000, were never returned.
Also present was Hollingsworth’s mother, who told the court she had tried repeatedly to steer her son in the right direction. “This is his second time, Your Worship. I’ve done all I could,” she said, visibly emotional.
Turning back to Hollingsworth, Magistrate McGusty said, “Surely your mom did not teach you that it was right to go into people’s places and take their things. She says you have skills. You can work. But you’re choosing another path.”
Noting the use of a firearm in the robbery and the significant value of the stolen goods in the break-in, Magistrate McGusty ruled that a strong sentence was necessary. For the charge of robbery under arms, she sentenced Hollingsworth to twelve months’ imprisonment. For the break and enter and larceny, he was sentenced to two years. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of two years.
Before adjourning the matter, the Magistrate encouraged Hollingsworth to reflect on his actions and consider changing his course. “You have time to sharpen your skills, not as a thief or gunman, but as a construction worker. When you come out, sir, do an honest job. Stop playing ducks and drakes with a gun.”
