Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5429/-1/140/
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Robbery, Attempted Murder: Man Sentenced To 25 And 14 Years To Run Concurrently
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On Monday this week, November 12, High Court Judge in Anguilla, Justice Michael Redhead, sentencedSylvan Brooks of Stoney Ground to 25 years imprisonment for attempted robbery and murder and 14 years for possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
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Detective Inspector Allison Proctor and Deputy Commissioner Illidge Richardson
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Brooks was found guilty by the Jury some three weeks ago but the Judge reserved sentencing until November 11. In the meantime, Peaches Richardson, who was charged with conspiracy, was sentenced to one year in jail.
The case resulted from a burglary attack at the Delta Gas Station on the Blowing Point Road in August 2005.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Illidge Richardson, said at a press briefing on Wednesday that the sentencing of Brooks “sends a message to persons in Anguilla with illegal firearms and ammunition” and those engaging in armed robbery that such acts will not be tolerated.
He stated that the police were determined to get illegal firearms off the streets and noted that despite the issuing of a number of amnesties there were still persons in possession of unlawful weapons.
Detective Inspector Allison Proctor stated that over the past week there were four reports of theft. The items stolen were cellular phones, a bottle of whiskey, a wrist watch, an Ipod and US$30. The offences were committed in The Valley, George Hill and Sandy Ground. One matter was resolved amicably, the complainant having been compensated. One of the matters was reported for police information and other two matters are being investigated.
The other matter, which is laughable, was a burglary report at the Teachers’ Resource Centre, where one box of chocolate was stolen. A suspect was identified but was not located up to the time of Wednesday’s press briefing. The intruder was said to have entered the Centre’s computer system to access the internet service.
While it may be laughable that the intruder took away the chocolate, it is not the value of the item stolen that matters, but the act of burglary that can carry a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment!
There were three reports of the sound of gunshots at Island Harbour, Sandy Hill and West End but there was no further public information or police confirmation,
Fifteen persons were arrested and charged during the past week. Ten were for possession of cannabis, four possession of an offensive weapon and one for obstructing a police officer.
The Deputy Commissioner noted with much pleasure that there had been a general decrease in the island’s crime rate and he hoped that all persons would continue to respect law and order and each other.